CRITICAL THEORIES OF LITERATURE

Biographical criticism:

Biographical criticism is a literary approach that examines

how an author's life and personal experiences influence their
work. By delving into the author's background, including their
upbringing, relationships, and major life events, biographical
criticism seeks to uncover connections between the writer's
experiences and the themes, characters, and settings in their
literature. This method can provide deeper insights into a
text, revealing hidden meanings or motivations behind the
author's choices.

New Historicism criticism:

New Historicism is a literary theory that emerged in the

1980s, emphasizing the interconnectedness of literature and
history. Unlike traditional historicism, which often viewed
history as a backdrop to literature, New Historicism treats
history and culture as dynamic forces that shape and are
shaped by literature. It explores how texts both influence and
are influenced by the social, political, and economic contexts
of their time. This approach involves analysing a wide range
of historical documents alongside literary works to
understand the power structures, cultural norms, and
ideologies of the period. Essentially, New Historicism suggests
that to fully grasp a piece of literature, one must also
consider the historical circumstances and cultural practices
surrounding its creation and reception.

Formalism criticism:

Formalism criticism is a literary approach that focuses on

analysing and interpreting a work based solely on its form,
structure, and style, rather than external factors like the
author's life, historical context, or societal influences. It
examines elements such as plot, character, setting, imagery,
and symbolism, seeking to understand how these
components work together to create meaning within the text
itself. Formalists believe that everything necessary to
understand a piece of literature is contained within the work
itself, making it an exercise in close reading and detailed
analysis. This method celebrates the intricacies of literary
craftsmanship and invites readers to appreciate the artistry of
the written word on its own terms.

Psychological criticism:

Psychological criticism in literature is an approach that

analyses a literary work through the lens of psychology, often
drawing on theories from figures like Sigmund Freud and Carl
Jung. This method explores the unconscious motivations of
characters, the psychological conflicts they face, and the
symbolic meanings of their actions and dreams. By examining
these elements, psychological critics aim to uncover deeper
layers of meaning within the text, providing insights into the
human psyche and the complex interplay between the
conscious and unconscious mind. This approach not only
enriches the understanding of characters and plot but also
connects literature to broader psychological concepts,
making the analysis both intellectually stimulating and
revealing of universal human experiences.

Freudian drives, as proposed by Sigmund Freud, are the primal forces that
motivate human behaviour. Central to his theory is the idea that much of human
behaviour is driven by unconscious desires and conflicts, often rooted in
sexuality.
 1. Oedipus Complex: This is a concept Freud introduced to describe a
boy's unconscious rivalry with his father for the affection of his mother.
According to Freud, during a certain developmental stage, a boy
experiences desire for his mother and sees his father as a competitor for
her love. This complex, named after the Greek myth of Oedipus, who
unknowingly killed his father and married his mother, is resolved as the
child begins to identify with the same-sex parent.
2. Electra Complex: The counterpart to the Oedipus complex, the Electra
complex describes a girl's unconscious rivalry with her mother for the
affection of her father. Freud suggested that during this stage, a girl
becomes aware of her lack of a penis (which Freud termed "penis envy")
and directs her affection towards her father, seeing her mother as a rival.
This complex is named after the mythological character Electra, who
conspired to kill her mother to avenge her father's death.

Archetypal criticism:

Archetypal criticism is a literary approach that focuses on

identifying and analysing the universal symbols, themes, and
characters (archetypes) that recur across different cultures
and literary works. These archetypes, such as the hero, the
mentor, the quest, and the transformation, are rooted in the
collective unconscious, a concept introduced by psychologist
Carl Jung. By examining these timeless and cross-cultural
patterns, archetypal criticism seeks to uncover the shared
human experiences and psychological truths that literature
reflects, making it a fascinating lens through which to explore
the deep connections between stories and the human
psyche.

Feminist criticism:

Feminist criticism in literature examines how literature

represents gender roles, societal expectations, and power
dynamics, often challenging traditional perspectives that
have marginalized women's voices. It seeks to uncover how
texts reinforce or subvert patriarchal norms, exploring issues
like representation, language, and narrative techniques from
a feminist perspective. This approach not only analyses
female characters' roles and agency but also critiques how
male characters and authors portray and interact with them.
Ultimately, feminist criticism aims to illuminate the ways
literature reflects and shapes our understanding of gender,
advocating for inclusivity and equity in literary analysis and
interpretation.

Marxist criticism:

Marxist criticism in literature examines works through the

lens of socio-economic factors, particularly focusing on how
literature reflects and reinforces class struggle, economic
inequality, and the power dynamics between different social
groups. It emphasizes how authors portray these issues, often
highlighting themes like exploitation, alienation, and
oppression. Marxist critics analyze not only the content of
literature but also its historical context and the author's social
position, aiming to uncover underlying messages about
society's structure and conflicts. This approach encourages
readers to consider literature as a reflection of broader
societal issues and to question how power and economics
shape artistic expression.
Postcolonial criticism:

Postcolonial criticism in literature examines the cultural,

political, and social ramifications of colonialism and its
aftermath. It focuses on how colonial experiences have
shaped literary works and how these works reflect, resist, or
re-imagine colonial power dynamics. Postcolonial critics often
analyze how authors from formerly colonized regions
negotiate identity, language, and representation in their
writing, challenging dominant Western narratives and
reclaiming their own histories. This approach not only
explores literature as a site of resistance and cultural
expression but also seeks to decolonize literary studies by
centering marginalized voices and perspectives.

Readers’ response criticism:

Reader response criticism in literature focuses on the reader's

experience and interpretation of a text rather than solely on
the author's intentions or the text's inherent meaning. It
emphasizes that meaning is not fixed but is actively
constructed by each reader through their unique
perspectives, backgrounds, and emotional responses. This
approach encourages exploration of how different readers
engage with and derive meaning from literature, highlighting
the dynamic and subjective nature of interpretation. Reader
response criticism invites readers to consider how their own
experiences shape their understanding of a text, making it a
rich field for exploring diverse interpretations and personal
connections to literature.

CINDERELLA
 Biographical Theory: Charles Perrault lived in 17th-century
France and was part of the upper-class society. His life and status
most likely influenced his version of Cinderella. He might have seen
the world through this lens of aristocracy, where social status was
crucial. In his story, Cinderella’s rise from a low position maid to
marrying a prince could reflect Perrault's belief in the importance of
social hierarchy and the idea that beauty and grace can lead to a
higher social status, mirroring his own aspirations and societal views.

 New Historicism: Perrault’s Cinderella mirrors the values and

norms of 17th-century French society. At that time, society was very
focused on appearances and etiquette, especially in the royal court of
King Louis XIV. Cinderella’s transformation with the help of the
fairy godmother highlights the importance of outward beauty and
manners. Her ultimate reward, marrying the prince, reflects the era's
belief that social mobility and happiness are tied to gaining favor in
high society, showcasing how fairy tales reinforced contemporary
social values.

 Formalism: From a formalist perspective, Perrault’s Cinderella is

all about the story’s structure and literary elements. The narrative
follows a clear, engaging pattern: Cinderella’s suffering, the magical
help she receives, her transformation, and her happy ending. The glass
slipper is a powerful symbol of purity and uniqueness. The formalist
approach would focus on how these elements work together to create
a compelling and morally instructive story, emphasizing themes like
justice and transformation.

 Psychological (Freudian): Freud’s theories would look at the

hidden desires and fears in Perrault’s Cinderella. Cinderella’s
stepmother represents an oppressive authority, while Cinderella’s
dreams of going to the ball reflect her repressed desires for freedom
and happiness. The fairy godmother’s magical intervention can be
seen as a wish-fulfillment fantasy, where Cinderella’s unconscious
desires are brought to life. The prince, as the object of her ultimate
wish, symbolizes her longing for escape and validation.

 Archetypal (Jungian): Jungian analysis focuses on universal

symbols. Cinderella is

the classic underdog, an archetype we see in many cultures. Her story

is about transformation and hope. The fairy godmother represents the
archetypal wise old woman or benevolent helper, guiding Cinderella
on her journey. The prince is the heroic figure who rescues her, a
common motif in fairy tales. These archetypes make the story
resonate across different cultures and eras, tapping into deep
psychological and cultural themes.

 Feminist Theory: From a feminist perspective, Perrault’s

Cinderella can be problematic. Cinderella is portrayed as passive and
only finds happiness through marriage. She waits for external help
(the fairy godmother) and relies on the prince for her happy ending.
This reinforces traditional gender roles where women are passive and
dependent on men. Feminist critics would argue that Cinderella’s
worth is tied to her beauty and ability to secure a good marriage,
rather than her own actions or intelligence.

 Marxist Theory: A Marxist analysis would focus on class struggle

in Cinderella. Cinderella is essentially a servant exploited by her
stepfamily, representing the lower class. Her transformation and
marriage to the prince symbolize a rare escape from this exploitation,
promoting the idea of social mobility through virtue and marriage.
However, this narrative can be seen as reinforcing the status quo,
suggesting that the only way to improve one’s social standing is
through luck and the benevolence of the upper class, rather than
challenging systemic inequalities.

 Postcolonial Theory: Though not directly about colonialism, a

postcolonial reading might look at how Cinderella’s transformation is
about assimilation into the dominant culture (royalty). Cinderella’s
transformation allows her to be accepted into the highest social ranks,
mirroring how marginalized groups might be forced to conform to
dominant cultural norms to gain acceptance and success. This can
highlight issues of cultural identity and the pressures to conform to an
ideal that is not one’s own.

 Reader Response Theory: This perspective emphasizes how

different readers interpret Cinderella. Some readers might find
Cinderella’s story inspiring, a tale of hope and transformation. Others
might see it as reinforcing harmful stereotypes about women and
social class. Reader response theory highlights that the story’s
meaning isn’t fixed but can change based on who is reading it and
their own experiences and beliefs. This makes Cinderella a rich text
for exploring how stories can be understood in multiple ways.