Literary Criticism Theory

Introduction to Literary Theory

Moralism

Dramatic Construction

What is Literary Theory?

Philosophies that formulate the general principles of

how to interpret, analyze, and critique literature

What is Literary Criticism?

The application of literary theory for the purpose of

analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating a literary text

Types of Literary Theory

Moralism

Dramatic Constructionism

Psychoanalytical Theory

Marxism

Feminism

Post-Colonialism

Gender and Queer Theory

New Historicism

Stucturalism and Semiotics

Deconstructivism

Formalism

New Criticism

Before We Continue…

Anekantavada Principle (Jainism)

Truth and reality are perceived differently from different

points of view

No single point of view is the complete truth

How does this apply?

No one theory is better than the other

Moralism360 BC—Present

Moralism

Key Philosophers

Socrates

Plato

Moralism

Socrates

Art is only valuable if it teaches morality and ethics

Plato

Art that does not teach morality and ethics is harmful to

the audience

Injury to the audience damages society as a whole

Plato

Art is imitation, and that is bad

Problems with imitation

Epistemological

Imitation is removed from reality and truth

Theological

Artists portray the gods in inappropriate ways

Moral and Psychological

Art has an emotional impact on the viewer

Undermines the stability of humankind

Holden and Moralism

What moral lessons can be learned from The Catcher in

the Rye?

How does the novel help the reader? Harm the reader?

How does the novel help or hurt society?

Dramatic

Constructionism360 BC—Present

Dramatic Constructionism

Key Philosopher

Aristotle

Aristotle

Art is imitation, and that’s good

Imitation is natural to humans from childhood

Imitation is how children learn and we all learn

Art can provide educational and moral insight; therefore,

art fosters growth

Art imitates people and human actions

Good art produces katharsis

Purification of the soul through emotional reactions

Dramatic Constructionism

Poetry/literature/drama are productive sciences

Necessary for the success of society

Six Elements of Drama

Theme

Plot

Character

Language

Rhythm

Spectacle

Impacts reader’s katharsis or satisfaction with the work

Holden and Dramatic

Constructionism

How did The Catcher and the Rye move you or elicit some

emotional response?

How did the Six Elements of Drama impact your

appreciation for The Catcher in the Rye?

How does this novel contribute to the overall success of

society?