![She continues by saying, “And if we believe that
human productions—not just literature but also, for
example, film, music, art, science, technology, and
architecture—are outgrowths of human experience
and therefore reflect human desire, conflict, and
potential, then we can learn to interpret those
productions in order to learn something important
about ourselves as a species. Critical theory [. . .]
provides excellent tools for that endeavor, tools that
not only can show us our world and ourselves through
new and valuable lenses but also can strengthen our
ability to think logically, creatively, and with a good
deal of insight.](https://image.slidesharecdn.com/elit48cclass6postqhq-140414210604-phpapp01/85/Elit-48-c-class-6-post-qhq-5-320.jpg)
Elit 48 c class 6 post qhq
- 1. ELIT 48C Class #6
- 2. Agenda Lecture Introduction to Literary Theory Discussion QHQs
- 3. What is Literary Theory? A very basic way of thinking about literary theory is that these ideas act as different lenses critics use to view and talk about art, literature, and even culture. These different lenses allow critics to consider works of art based on certain assumptions within that school of theory. The different lenses also allow critics to focus on particular aspects of a work they consider important.
- 4. Why should we bother to learn about critical theories? According to Tyson, “Theory can help us learn to see ourselves and our world in valuable new ways, ways that can influence how we educate our children, both as parents and teachers; how we view television, from the nightly news to situation comedies; how we behave as voters and consumers; how we react to others with whom we do not agree on social, religious, and political issues; and how we recognize and deal with our own motives, fears, and desires” (2).
- 5. She continues by saying, “And if we believe that human productions—not just literature but also, for example, film, music, art, science, technology, and architecture—are outgrowths of human experience and therefore reflect human desire, conflict, and potential, then we can learn to interpret those productions in order to learn something important about ourselves as a species. Critical theory [. . .] provides excellent tools for that endeavor, tools that not only can show us our world and ourselves through new and valuable lenses but also can strengthen our ability to think logically, creatively, and with a good deal of insight.
- 6. Four Theories this quarter New Criticism Feminist Criticism African American (and minority) Criticism Lesbian, Gay, and Queer Criticisms
- 7. Discuss your QHQs in your groups for about 10 minutes Groups
- 8. QHQs Q: What are the most popular interpretative theories in academia right now? Q: When do we cross the line into critical theory territory from just enjoying something for what’s on its surface? Q: When do theories transform from tools of understanding to restraints of our appreciation of literature?
- 9. Q: Is there any such thing as a wrong interpretation? Q: If a text “unwittingly” advocates for something it would appear to deride, is it the fault of the author? Q: Does critical theory help us identify and codify the elusive devices authors utilize to convey a message?
- 10. Theory and Gatsby Q: “Think of each theory as a new pair of eye‐ glasses through which certain elements of our world are brought into focus while others, of course, fade into the background.” (Tyson 3). How does this quote relate to the use of eyes in The Great Gatsby?
- 11. HOMEWORK Read: Critical Theory Today: Chapter 5 “New Criticism” Pp. 135-164 Post #6: QHQ: New Criticism