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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.