What are the main literary theories?

What are the main literary theories?

The main literary theories include formalism, structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism, Marxism, and psychoanalysis. Each offers a different lens to analyze texts.

Can you explain formalism in more detail?

Formalism focuses on the form and structure of a text, analyzing elements like language, style, and literary devices without considering external factors like author intent or historical context.

What about feminist literary theory?

Feminist literary theory examines literature through the lens of gender, exploring how texts reflect, reinforce, or challenge the roles and representations of women.

How does Marxism influence literary analysis?

Marxism analyzes literature in the context of class struggle, economic power, and social change, often critiquing how texts represent or challenge capitalist ideologies.

Can you give examples of texts analyzed through these theories?

Sure! For example, 'The Great Gatsby' is often analyzed through Marxist and feminist lenses, while 'The Catcher in the Rye' is frequently examined using psychoanalytic theory.