Social ClassLiterary Theory

Remember…

What is the purpose of literary theory criticism?It is an approach to reading and interpreting a text!What lens or glasses are you using as you read and interpret text?

Reader Response?Historical?And now…Social Class!

Key Points

• Assumes that socio-economic classes continually struggle for economic, political, and social advantage.• Pays attention to who has the money and the

power in texts and what happens as a result of this power. (how is it in the text?)• Supports textual interpretations based on who

historically has had the money and power.

How are different groups of society represented in the text?

• Who has the power/money? (vs.) Who lacks power/money?

• For characters, what are the effects of having or lacking power/money?

• How is the text itself a commodity/product that represents certain social beliefs and practices? (i.e. What is the social agenda/effect of the work?)

Why would you use Social Class Theory?

•Consideration of class and power can significantly enhance understanding of text.

• Encouragement to consider texts from other perspectives beyond personal status.

Why wouldn’t you use Social Class Theory?

•Obliterates the idea of personal responsibility & morality.

•Hostility created within class competition.