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.