LIT 1 - MIDTERM

SMCTI | BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

devices. They believe that the form of a work carries intrinsic

LITERARY CRITICISM/APP ROACHES meaning.

LITERARY CRITICISM Unity and Wholeness: Formalists emphasize the unity and
• refers to the act of interpreting and studying literature. wholeness of a literary work, looking for how all its parts
• is analysis, interpretation and evaluation of authors and contribute to the overall meaning and effect.
their works of literature, which can include novels, short
stories, essays, plays and poetry. Objective Analysis: Formalist criticism aims to be objective and
• helps us understand what is important about the text: ✓ systematic in its analysis, relying on close reading and linguistic
its structure analysis to uncover the structure and meaning of a text.
✓ its context: social, economic, historical
ARCHE
✓ what is written
• The Archetypal Literary Approach, often associated
✓ how the text manipulates the readers
with the work of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell, is a
literary theory that focuses on the presence and
FUNCTIONS OF LITERARY CRITICIMS
significance of archetypes in literature.
• To analyze, study, and evaluate works of literature
• Archetypes are universal symbols, characters,
• To form general principles for the examination of works of
themes, or motifs that are deeply ingrained in the
literature
human collective unconscious and are found across
cultures and time periods. This approach seeks to
Any piece of text can be read with a
uncover the recurring patterns and symbols in
number of different sets of "glasses,"
literature that tap into these universal human
meaning you are looking for different
experiences.
things within the text.

Emphasis on Universal Themes and Symbols: Archetypal

LITERARY APPROACHES criticism looks for recurring themes, symbols, and motifs
that transcend cultural and historical boundaries. These
archetypal elements are considered to be expressions of
1 Formalism universal human experiences.
.2 Archetypal
3. Feminist Connection to the Collective Unconscious: It draws on the
.4. Marxist concept of the collective unconscious, as proposed by Carl
Jung, suggesting that certain symbols and themes are part

FORMA of a shared human psychic inheritance and are reflected in

• The Formalist Literary Approach, also known as literature.

Formalism, is a literary theory and critical approach that

emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Russia and Journey and Transformation: A common focus is on the

later in the United States. hero's journey or quest, which is seen as a universal

• Formalism emphasizes the formal aspects of a literary text, narrative pattern involving trials, challenges, and

such as its structure, language, and literary devices, while transformation. This journey is often linked to rites of

often downplaying or disregarding the author's biography, passage and personal growth.

historical context, and reader response.

FEMINI

Focus on the Text Itself: Formalism prioritizes the examination of • The Feminist Literary Approach is a critical perspective that

the literary work as an autonomous entity, separate from the focuses on the portrayal of gender roles, power dynamics,

author's intentions or the cultural and historical context in which and issues related to gender and sexuality in literature.

it was created. • It emerged as a significant literary theory in the 1960s and

1970s as part of the broader feminist movement, with the

Attention to Form and Structure: Formalists pay particular aim of highlighting and challenging the historically male-

attention to the formal elements of a text, such as plot, narrative dominated literary canon.

structure, point of view, syntax, rhyme, rhythm, and other literary

MKM | 1
 Focus on Gender and Patriarchy: Feminist criticism examines Who is the author of the reader-response literary approach?
how literature reflects and reinforces traditional gender roles Louise Rosenblatt
and patriarchal power structures. It seeks to uncover how these Born: August 23, 1904, Atlantic City, New
elements influence character development, plot, and themes. Jersey, United States
Died: February 8, 2005, Arlington County,
Virginia, United States
Exploration of Female Characters: Feminist critics analyze the Education: University of Paris (1927–1931),
representation of female characters in literature, looking at how Columbia University, Barnard College
they are portrayed, whether they conform to or challenge
gender stereotypes, and how their experiences are depicted. The reader-response idea was founded by
her work "Literature as Exploration" on 1938.
Intersectionality: Feminist criticism often incorporates
intersectionality, which means considering how gender
intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, class, DEFINITION
sexual orientation, and disability. It explores how these • An approach to literary criticism and analysis that focuses
intersecting identities affect a character's experiences and the on how readers are actively engaged in the creation of
narrative as a whole. meaning in a text.
• A literary criticism that focuses primarily on the reader's
MARXIS reaction to a text.
• The Marxist Literary Approach, also known as Marxist
criticism or Marxist theory, is a literary theory and critical CRITIQUE
approach that examines literature through the lens of • There are others that disagree with reader response
Marxist ideology. approach. They've made a number of accusations against
• Marxism, founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, the literary approach.
focuses on the relationships between social classes, the • It argues that it places too much emphasis on the reader's
role of capitalism, and the struggle for economic and subjective interpretation of the text, and that it neglects the
political power. The Marxist Literary Approach seeks to objective qualities of the text itself.
understand how literature reflects and critiques the • Critics also point out that reader-response theory may not
socioeconomic and political structures of society. be applicable to all types of texts, such as technical
manuals or scientific papers, where the reader's personal
Class Struggle and Conflict: Marxist criticism emphasizes the response may be less relevant to the meaning of the text.
presence of class struggle and conflict in literature. It explores
how characters and events in a text represent the conflicts
between different social classes, especially between the
bourgeoisie (capitalist class) and the proletariat (working class).

Material Conditions and Economic Forces: This approach looks

at how material conditions and economic forces shape the lives
of characters and influence the narrative. It examines how
economic systems, such as capitalism, affect characters'
motivations and actions.

Characterization and Social Class: Marxist critics pay attention

to the way characters are portrayed in relation to their social
class. They look for instances of character development or
transformation driven by socioeconomic factors.

READER-RESPONSE LITERARY APPROACH

Reader-response literary criticism started in the 1960s to
1970s in response to formalist and structuralist methods that focused
on the text rather than the reader's interpretation.

Formalist and structuralist literary methods focus on the

form, structure, and internal elements of the literary text, such as
language and narrative structure.

MKM | 2
 SURVEYS ON ANGLO-AMERICAN LITERATURE Many authors wrote in French because it was the prestige language
of the court, such as Marie de France and Wace.
1. Who is considered as the
father of Anglo-Norman
literature?

MARIE DE FRANCE

2. Which work is an example of

Anglo-Norman literature?

CANTERBURY TALES

3. What language was

predominantly used in
Anglo-Norman literature?
Women Writers:
ANGLO-NORMAN FRENCH In the Middle English period though, we have a clearer picture
because named authorship came to be considered important— major
4. Which historical event works by women include The Book of Margery Kemp, the first
influenced the decline of autobiography in English, Julian of Norwich's Showings, a series
Anglo-Norman literature? of mystical and theologically rich visions, and the works of Marie
de France.
THE HUNDRED YEARS’ WAR
Poetry-Lyrics/ Ballads
5. Who wrote “The Canterbury There are a great number of anonymous lyric poems and ballads
Tales”, an example of found in manuscripts from this entire period. These tend to be short
Anglo-Norman literature? pieces written in rhymed couplets that reflect on such topics as the
cycle of nature ("sumer is i-cumen in"), religious reflections ("Adam
GEOFFREY CHAUCER Lay a-bunden"), or romantic laments.

ANGLO-NORMAN LITERATURE (HISTORY) 14th century:

Anglo-Norman literature A significant event for England and Europe was the devastating
- body of writings in the Old French language as used in medieval Black Death from 1347 to 1350, causing a widespread loss of about
England 30% of the population. This plague affected people across all social
The use of this language started in English courts during Edward the classes, creating gaps in societal structures. After the plague,
Confessor's era but gained prominence after the Norman Conquest laborers were in high demand, leading to increased wages. This shift
in 1066. It became the everyday language in various institutions like in social dynamics gave merchants more influence and contributed to
the court, law, church, schools, universities, parliament, and quick urban development.
eventually in towns and trade.
For the English aristocracy, Anglo-Norman became an acquired
tongue and its use a test of gentility.

What is gentility?
"Gentility" refers to the quality of being refined, polite, and having
good manners. It often conveys a sense of elegance, sophistication,
and social grace.

The alienation toward France during the Hundred Years’ War

started an increasing use of English, the last strongholds of a French
dialect being Parliament and the law, in both of which it still survives
in a few formulas.
14th century:
During the period, the following is also present:
In the latter half of the fourteenth century, two of the era's most
1. Four years of ruthless war. famous poets emerged from this urban merchant background:
Geoffrey Chaucer and John Gower.
2. Rapid displacement of English bishops and abbots in the
monasteries.

3. Eviction of the English language and culture Geoffrey Chaucer:

4. Complete indifference of the new rulers - Born c. 1342/43, London,

England-died October 25, 1400,
to books in a language which they did not understand. London

5. Old English manuscripts continued to be copied. -The outstanding English poet

before Shakespeare and “the
first finder of our language.”

MKM | 3
- The Canterbury Tales ranks as one of the greatest poetics works MEDIEVAL THEOLOGICAL NORMS”, it also had a profound impact
in English. on literature and the arts.
• According to many significant scholars, renaissance is a
“bridge between Modernism and Medievalism”.

LEADING RENAISSANCE FIGURES

• DANTE ALIGHIERI
• FRANCESCO PETRARCA
• LEONARDO DA VINCI
HUMANISM
• It was a key feature of the Renaissance, and it
emphasized the importance of human beings and their potential.
• This was a shift away from the medieval emphasis on
Canterbury Tales: religion and the afterlife, and it encouraged people to focus on their
lives and their achievements in the present.
- A collection of tales united by a frame narrative.
Canterbury Tales: SECULARISM
• The Renaissance was a period of increased secularism,
- His most famous characters include the Miller, the Wife of Bath,
with people focusing more on the world around them and less on
and the Pardoner.
religion and the afterlife.
Canterbury Tales:
• This led to a new interest in science, mathematics, and
- The work remained unfinished at the time of Chaucer’s death, it has other areas of knowledge that were not traditionally associated with
been cherished for centuries because of Chaucer’s skill at creating religion.
extremely vivid characters who tell highly memorable stories.
LITERATURE
What is frame narrative?
• As literary period, it also focuses on the use of vernacular
Frame Narrative
language and the exploration of individual emotions.
- A literary technique where a main story is presented, and with it,
there is another story or set of stories. KEY POINTS:

Canterbury Tales
In the 13th century, Italian authors began writing in their native
- It narrates the journey of a group of travelers who are going from vernacular language rather than in Latin, French, or Provençal.
London to Canterbury on pilgrimage. Along the way, they have a The earliest Renaissance literature appeared in 14th century Italy.
story telling contest, and so each of the 24 tales is supposed to tell  DANTE
their own kind of tale.  PETRARCH
 MACHIAVELLI; are notable examples of Italian
Renaissance writers.
From Italy the influence of the Renaissance spread across Europe;
the SCHOLARLY WRITINGS OF ERASMUS and the PLAYS OF
SHAKESPEARE can be considered Renaissance in character.
WRITERS
 WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
 JOHN DONNE

John Gower: REALISM

- Renaissance artists and writers focused on realism, depicting the
- Born 1330 – died 1408, London world and its people as they really were.
- A medieval English poet, following the traditions of courtly love and
moral allegory, had a reputation on par with his contemporary
Geoffrey Chaucer. He significantly influenced other poets of his time.

SURVEYS ON ENGLISH AMERICAN LITERATURE

ENGLAND UNDER THE TUDORS

WHAT IS RENAISSANCE?
- The Tudor period in England spans from 1485 to 1603,
• It comes from the French word for “rebirth”, and refers to encompassing the reigns of five monarchs: Henry VII
a period of cultural, artistic, and intellectual revival that began in
 Henry VIII
ITALY in the 14th century and spread throughout EUROPE in 15th
and 16th centuries.  Edward VI
• period of cultural and intellectual rebirth that occurred in  Mary I
Europe marked by a renewed interest in CLASSICAL LEARNING,
 Elizabeth I
HUMANISM, INDIVIDUALISM, and “THE REJECTION OF

MKM | 4
This era is marked by significant POLITICAL, SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS,  The author of “THE FAERIE QUEENE”, a long heroic
AND CULTURAL CHANGES in England. poem dedicated to Queen Elizabeth.

Henry VII (1485-1509) CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE

 Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch, came to power after  The author of “THE PASSIONATE SHEPHERD TO HIS
defeating Richard III at the BATTLE OF BOSWORTH LOVE” a pastoral verse which idealizes the rustic
FIELD, effectively ending the Wars of the Roses. simplicity of rural life.
 He established the Tudor dynasty and married Elizabeth
of York, uniting the rival houses of Lancaster and York.
SIR WALTER RALEIGH
 The author of The NYMPH’S REPLY TO THE
Henry VIII (1509-1547) SHEPHERD- a famous response to Marlowe’s poem.
 Henry VIII is one of the most famous Tudor monarchs,
known for his six marriages and his break from the
Roman Catholic Church. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
 His desire for a male heir led him to seek an annulment  ENGLAND’S GREATEST PLAYWRIGHT
from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, which ultimately
led to the English Reformation.
 Henry dissolved the monasteries in England, transferring
their wealth to the Crown, and established the Church of
England with himself as the Supreme Head.
 His reign also saw significant changes in governance and
foreign policy, including wars with France and
Scotland.

-
Edward VI (1547-1553)

• Edward VI, Henry VIII's son with Jane Seymour, succeeded his
father at a young age.
• His reign was dominated by Protestant reforms, and England
moved further away from Catholicism.
• Edward's advisors, notably the Duke of Somerset and later the
Duke of Northumberland, implemented Protestant reforms in the
Church and the government.

Mary I (1553-1558)

• Mary I, also known as "BLOODY MARY," was Henry VIII's

daughter with Catherine of Aragon.
• Mary sought to reverse the Protestant reforms of her brother's
reign and return England to Catholicism.
• Her reign is remembered for the persecution of Protestants,
leading to hundreds of executions, and earning her the nickname
"Bloody Mary."
• Mary's marriage to Philip II of Spain and her attempts to restore
Catholicism were met with resistance and ultimately failed.

Elizabeth I (1558-1603)

• Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, is often regarded as one of

ENGLAND'S GREATEST RULERS.
• Her reign saw the consolidation of the Church of England and the
defeat of the Spanish Armada, which secured England's status as
a major naval power.
• Elizabeth's reign was marked by a flourishing of English
literature and culture, often referred to as the ELIZABETHAN ERA.
• She never married and was famously called the "Virgin Queen."
• Elizabeth's reign is considered a period of relative stability and
prosperity, though it was not without its challenges, including
tensions with Catholic powers and internal religious conflicts.

ELIZABETHAN WRITERS
EDMUND SPENSER

MKM | 5