Literary Criticism Theory Research Articles

Exploring Antiracist Pedagogies in Project-Based Learning with Preservice Teachers

This exploratory study, grounded in critical race, social-cultural, and critical literacy theories, uses children’s literature as a catalyst for engaging preservice teachers (PSTs) in critical conversations about systemic racism and its impact on curricular and instructional decisions. Integrating tenets from both project-based learning (PBL) and antiracist teaching, we focus on three major practice markers for PSTs: (1) acquiring knowledge of experiences and histories of communities marginalized by society; (2) integrating content and pedagogical knowledge with antibias practices to create a culture of caring and curricular restorative justice; and (3) bridging coursework towards authentic calls to action. We share our experiences as teacher educators alongside an exploration of PSTs perceptions and experiences engaging in an antiracist PBL.

Ethical Choice and Melancholy: Lady Macbeth in Her Dreams

Despite the large body of literature on Lady Macbeth, little research has been undertaken to demonstrate the relationship between the invocation by Lady Macbeth in the first act and the final dreams that imprison her. From the perspectives of literary ethical criticism and Early Modern dream theories, this essay argues that the sleep-walking scene in the final act reveals the ethical predicament and the punishment suffered by Lady Macbeth, while the invocation, instead of serving merely as exaggerating rhetoric or performance of witchcraft, indicates Lady Macbeth’s ethical choice and her self-hypnosis that finally lead to the punishment. The causal relation between the invocation and the dreams is built up via a series of somatic changes brought by melancholy, through which William Shakespeare demonstrates to the audience the interaction between body and mind, and the inescapable consequence entailed by the wrong ethical choice.

FEMINIST LITERARY CRITIQUE OF WOMEN’S REPRESENTATION IN NAGUIB MAHFOUZ’S LAYALI ALF LAYLAH

This research examines the portrayal of women in Arabian Nights and Days by Naguib Mahfouz through the lens of feminist literary criticism, focusing on the character of Dunyazad. The analysis explores her physical, psychological, and social dimensions, emphasizing how these aspects reflect broader societal perceptions and treatment of women. Employing a qualitative approach, the research utilizes feminist theory to uncover the depiction of Dunyazad and her interactions within the social context of the novel, which mirrors the condition of women in the Arab world. The formal object of this study is feminist literary criticism theory, while the material object is Mahfouz’s novel. The study is confined to analyzing Dunyazad’s character and her relationship with societal norms. Findings reveal that the representation of women in the novel is shaped by three main elements: physical idealization, psychological conflict, and social subordination, all of which are framed by patriarchal structures. Dunyazad’s physical portrayal reinforces the objectification of women, her psychological depiction reflects the inner turmoil of women constrained by social expectations, and her social portrayal underscores the systemic subjugation of women. In conclusion, Mahfouz critiques the societal norms that restrict women’s roles and exposes the persistence of gender inequality within patriarchal societies.

Hà Hương Phong Nguyệt by le Hoang Muu: The First Urban Novel and Women's Liberation In Vietnam in the Early 20th Century

Objectives: This study aims to affirm the role and position of Hà Hương phong nguyệt (Le Hoang Muu) as a pioneering work in opening up urban literature and women's liberation in South Vietnam in the early 20th century. Theoretical Framework: The study uses ecocritical theory in the sustainable development of the urban environment, and feminist theory in research to liberate the duties and responsibilities of women in traditional Eastern patriarchal society. From there, the study offers an innovative direction to promote critical thinking and achieve gender equality (SDG 5) and Reduced inequalities (SDG 10). Methods: The article uses statistical techniques to classify the main aspects of urban issues and women's liberation expressed in the novel. The meta-analysis method helps in in-depth research. Results and Discussion: (1) This study affirms the important role and position of women in society; (2) shows that urbanization has significantly affected people's morality, personality, and lifestyle; (3) applying new literary criticism theories in the study of literary works of the past is a meaningful task. Research Implications: The article adds a research direction to provide theoretically based comments and evidence to re-evaluate the role and position of Le Hoang Muu's Hà Hương phong nguyệt in modernizing Vietnamese literature. Originality/Value: By addressing the intersection between urbanity and women's liberation in the study of Hà Hương phong nguyệt, this study contributes to the discourse promoting gender equality in the current multinational cultural context and enhancing the quality of life in the modern urban environment.

‘The Book of My Mother’ as national allegory: subaltern nationalism and political unconscious in early twentieth century Azerbaijani fiction

ABSTRACT This paper analyses Jalil Mammadquluzadeh’s drama, The Book of My Mother (Anamın Kitabı), to understand Azerbaijani nationalism in the early twentieth century. Under the repression of industrialization and colonialism, Azerbaijani national identity found its expression in literary products. Through Fredric Jameson’s concepts of national allegory and political unconscious, we examine The Book of My Mother as a fictional representation of Azerbaijani nationalism during its formative period. Ultimately, this article addresses a gap in the growing literature on Azerbaijani nationalism by applying Jamesonian critical literary theory to encourage further research in subaltern nationalism for other cases, especially within the Central Asian context.

The Presence of Biopower in Keiko Furukura from Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman”

The collected written and oral works of a society portraying values and beliefs as well as their challenges are referred to as literature. In terms of age and volume, Japanese literature is comparable to Western literature. Sayaka Murata, a prominent Japanese author, critiques conventions, exemplified by her 2016 novella "Convenience Store Woman," shaping the identity of a 21st-century woman. Keiko, Murata’s heroine, works in a convenience store and lives through the question of absolute autonomy. This study investigates the presence of Biopower in Keiko Furukura from Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman.” Specifically, it looks into character, settings, and themes. This study uses a qualitative method, specifically Discourse Analysis. The theories that support this study are Michel Foucault’s Theory of Biopower and Sociological Literary Criticism by Kenneth Burke. The results of this study reveal that Anatomopolitics and Biopolitics are the forms of Biopower present in the character. In the settings, both Anatamopolitics and Biopolitics are also exhibited. Similarly, Anatomopolitics and Biopolitics are the forms of Biopower found in the themes. Based on the findings, this study concludes that Biopower is present in Keiko Furukura from Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman.” From the study’s conclusion, the following are recommended: The Death of Individualism: A Character Analysis of William Stoner from John William’s “Stoner,” Construction of Identity: A Sociological Critique of Natsuko Imamura’s “The Woman in the Purple Skirt,” Challenging Gender Norms: An Examination of Gender Norms in Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” Challenging the Contemporary Feminism of Kojima in “Heaven” by Meiko Kawakami.

APPLYING LITERARY ETHICAL CRITICISM TO TEACHING READING COMPREHENSION OF LITERARY TEXTS TOWARDS THE GOAL OF DEVELOPING STUDENTS' QUALITIES ACCORDING TO THE 2018 GENERAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

The article begins by applying moral literary criticism in teaching literary text comprehension and provides an overview of the theory of ethical literary criticism. It proposes an approach to literary texts from the perspective of moral literary criticism to develop students' qualities. The research is based on general research methods (theoretical and survey methods) and specific methods (structural analysis methods). The results show that applying moral literary criticism in understanding the texts of the Grade 12 Literature Textbook (Connecting Knowledge with Life series) is entirely feasible, paving the way for its implementation in other textbook series. Keywords: Literary ethical criticism; literary text comprehension; qualities; 2018 general education curriculum.

Critical Posthumanist Literacy: Building Theory for Reading, Writing, and Living Ethically with Everyday Artificial Intelligence

AbstractLiteracy has become inextricably bound with machine processes, especially in the age of ubiquitous, consequential artificial intelligence (AI). Despite a relatively long history of AI involvement in our everyday reading and writing practices, the public availability of generative AI tools has set off a wave of heated debate—and concern—about AI's role in our lives. We argue that critical literacy theory and tools can serve as a foundation, when combined with posthumanist ideas and some technical knowledge, for understanding, teaching, and participating in our AI‐infused world. In this paper, we outline our theory of critical posthumanist literacy, which draws on posthumanist scholarship to re‐imagine critical literacy with respect to concepts of ontology, agency, ethics and justice, and pedagogy. For each concept, we build on humanist, critical perspectives to show how posthumanist scholarship can help theorize for literacy in the age of AI, especially as AI presents both lingering and new challenges to conceptions of human text production and consumption. Posthumanism provides us with alternative modes of thinking about the nature of “things” (and ourselves); with an understanding of agency as not a human possession but an accomplishment among/within many human and non‐human actors; with an expanded ethics that accounts more deeply for non‐humans; and with pedagogy that embraces ambiguity, movement, and speculation. Using these ideas to expand critical literacy practices, we offer concepts and questions for guiding literacy practice and research, with the understanding that these are no longer separable from complex computational systems.

Feminine Mystique Experienced by Ana Concion in Angie Cruz’s Dominicana

Women are often deprived of their rights based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics. Betty Friedan thinks patriarchal culture makes women too passive, do not think independently, and do not work for themselves. In addition, women are often trapped in feminine mystique, meaning that they are only fixated on the demands of serving their husbands and doing domestic chores. The novel Dominicana by Angie Cruz talks about Ana (the main female character) trapped in a feminine mystique. That novel is the primary source of data in this study. The aims are to find out how feminine mystique is presented in the novel and explain Ana's efforts to get out of these issues. The researcher uses a feminist literary criticism as an approach and applies Betty Friedan's feminine mystique theory. Thus, the results of this study indicate that Ana did not get her rights as a woman and only did domestic chores without having access to public sphere. Therefore, she made various efforts, such as against her husband, finding a part-time job, joining an English class, and revealing her husband's affair. However, the researcher only focuses on the main female character, to discuss the Feminine Mystique that she experiences and the resistance she does. In future research, the researcher hopes that many will analyze this novel as an object of study in literary criticism. Many literary criticism theories and approaches can be used to analyze this novel, such as psychoanalysis, historicism, structuralism, and sociology of literature. Future researchers can also examine this novel with the same approach by choosing different theoretical references.

Intricateness of Adaptation of Literature to Film in Today’s Crisscrossed World

This paper investigates the realities of literature adaptation to film in today’s world of literary criticism. People enjoy motion pictures and compare them with its original textual Literature. By focusing on literary criticism theories, this article explains modern to postmodern aesthetic points, especially in the era of definitions in romanticism, reflectionism and its auto, empiricism until pragmatism, and the age of language beyond communication. Through those former points, the adaptation of Literature to film brings in a wider point: the world itself. The adaptation is shown to broaden concepts and interpretations among writers, directors, and also audiences. Every aspect is so active to interpret in today's crisscrossed world that meanings vary from critical and evaluation perspectives. The adaptation is not about merely fixed definitions or even market orientations but open meanings on dialogues among realities. Any measurement from Literature or film is never enough to compare adaptation to its original form since it is located between individualities and societies. In conclusion, the adaptation of Literature should indicate that dominations must be minimized by maximizing hospitality of differences.

Literary Criticism of China about F. M. Dostoevsky’s Novel “The Idiot”

This paper examines the literary criticism of China about F. M. Dostoevsky’s novel “The Idiot” (1868), which has been the focus of attention of various readership, as well as the issues of perception and study of the novel in modern Chinese theory of literary criticism. Hence, the purpose of this article is to trace the history of literary criticism of the “The Idiot” in China over the past almost ninety years since its first publication in Chinese in 1935. It is noted that during this period the novel was translated into Chinese at least seventeen times with millions of copies released, withstanding more than 50 editions. It also provides an overview of the studies of Chinese scientists in recent years devoted to the study of the novel, and attempts are made to identify trends in the study and commentary of the novel in China. Chinese readers were first introduced to Dostoevsky’s work by the famous novelist, literary critic and translator Zhou Zuozhen. The conducted research allows us to conclude that Chinese readers accept and interpret F. M. Dostoevsky’s novel “The Idiot” with great interest. The questions that the researchers raise in their writings confirm the hypothesis that the Chinese reader associates the main character Prince Myshkin with the Confucian category of Ren.

Unveiling Societal Discord: An Analysis of Contemporary American Drama through "A Streetcar Named Desire"

This research aims to explore and dissect the intricate layers of societal discord depicted in the iconic American play, "A Streetcar Named Desire." Focused on understanding the socio-cultural landscape of mid-20th century America as reflected in the characters and their interactions, the study seeks to unravel the underlying tensions, conflicts, and societal shifts that resonate with the contemporary audience. The overarching objectives of this study revolve around a comprehensive exploration of the societal elements intricately woven into the fabric of the play shedding light on their reflective nature vis-à-vis the cultural milieu of post-World War II America. This researcher adopts a qualitative approach, employing close textual analysis and critical literary theory to delve into the layers of societal discord within "A Streetcar Named Desire." Primary data will be drawn from the play's text, supplemented by scholarly articles, historical documents, and relevant secondary sources. The analysis will be guided by key themes such as gender, class, and societal expectations, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural context embedded in the play. The dramatic techniques employed by Williams contribute to a nuanced portrayal of societal tension, inviting audiences to contemplate the evolving social landscape. The findings prompt discussions on the enduring relevance of the play's themes in contemporary society. Through the lens of "A Streetcar Named Desire," this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the Intersectionality of societal norms and individual experiences, challenging viewers to reflect on the implications of societal discord on personal identity and relationships. In conclusion, Tennessee Williams skillfully weaves a narrative that transcends its temporal setting, inviting audiences to confront and contemplate the complexities of societal expectations.

Dialectical Study of Class Division in Harper Lee’s to Kill a Mockingbird

This study employs Marxist analysis to the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, focusing on the portrayal of class divide within the story. The examination of social stratification is a prominent subject in Marxism, and Marx himself asserts in the Communist Manifesto that the progression of all societies throughout history is characterized by conflicts between different social classes (Marx & Engels, 1969). Marxism is a prominent literary criticism theory that examines issues such as injustice, exploitation, class separation, and alienation. Marxism posits that the primary purpose of literature is to foster class consciousness and incite a revolution among the working class (Beteillie, 2007). The study is characterized by its qualitative nature and employs an interpretive methodology. The story is analyzed using a dialectical approach, revealing that class separation serves as the fundamental source of injustice, social discrimination, and exploitation. The study demonstrates that American society was fragmented based on both social class and race. In America, race not only served as a means of categorization but also contributed to the split between the privileged upper class and the economically disadvantaged and marginalized class.

EXPLORING FEMALE IDENTITY IN KATE CHOPIN’S NOVELS

This study delves into the profound exploration of female identity in the works of Kate Chopin, focusing on key novels such as "The Awakening" and "The Story of an Hour." Through a meticulous analysis of Chopin's characters, themes, and narrative techniques, this research sheds light on the complexities of female identity, autonomy, and self-discovery in a patriarchal society.By closely examining the characters of Edna Pontellier and Louise Mallard, this study reveals the depth of complexity in Chopin's portrayal of women who defy societal norms and grapple with the tensions between personal desires and societal expectations. Themes of autonomy, agency, and the quest for self-realization emerge as central motifs in Chopin's exploration of female identity, inviting readers to contemplate the challenges faced by women seeking to define themselves outside of traditional roles.Drawing upon literary criticism, historical context, and feminist theory, this research offers a comprehensive analysis of how Kate Chopin's novels challenge and redefine traditional notions of female identity. Through a nuanced examination of female characters' struggles, aspirations, and triumphs, this study highlights the enduringrelevance of Chopin's works in inspiring conversations about gender, autonomy, and the complexities of female identity in literature and society.

Analysis of Innovative Strategies of English Literature Teaching in Colleges and Universities under the Guidance of Ecological Literature Criticism

Abstract This paper analyzes the theory of ecological literary criticism from the perspectives of anthropocentrism, environmentalism, ecologism, materialistic developmentalism, and technological supremacy and points out the prospects for the application of the theory of ecological literary criticism in the teaching of English literature in colleges and universities. Based on the characteristics and contents of English literature teaching in colleges and universities, a model of English literature teaching that incorporates ecological literary criticism is proposed. Taking the English majors of Normal University as the research object, using SPSS software and Coh-Metrix 3.0 as the analyzing tool, we set up the control group and the experimental group. We conducted an instance analysis of the English literature teaching mode that incorporates the theory of ecological literary criticism. The results show that the grouping presents a 0.05 level of significance (t=2.265, p=0.032) for the posttest of the application essay achievement, as well as the specific comparison of the differences can be seen, the mean value of the experimental group (11.935), which will be significantly higher than the control group’s mean value (10.915). It means that compared with the traditional English writing teaching mode, the English literature teaching mode based on the ecological literary criticism theory is more helpful in promoting the improvement of the English literature writing level of the students in the experimental group.

Analysis of Ancient Literary Creation and Literary Criticism in the Information Age

Abstract This paper discusses the characteristics of ancient literary criticism, including imagery criticism, intuitive thinking, and dialectical thinking, and explores the oneness of literary criticism and creation and its revelations in the study of modern critical history. The process of ancient literary creation is studied in depth, including using LSTM and BERT models to decode the formalized data of poems and control the metre. Meanwhile, the study of ancient literary criticism based on structuralist semiotics is introduced, exploring the operation mode of narrative grammar and two-layer narrative structure. Finally, old literary creation and criticism are discussed in depth through example analysis. By analyzing the course Appreciation of Ancient Poetry, the article demonstrates how literary criticism can enhance the understanding and evaluation of literary works from aesthetic and cultural dimensions. Overall, the article deeply analyzes the methods and theories of ancient literary creation and criticism and explores their application and development in the information age, providing valuable perspectives and tools for understanding and advancing the field.

Contemporary Critical Theories

A brief introduction to literary criticism and literary theory are given at the start. In any genre, the critic must be, in a sense, a political thinker, sociologist, and psychologist, as well as a literary historian and aesthetician. Additionally, this paper examines various critical, literary concepts and finally the conclusion is drawn by means of the review of literature indicated. Literary theory is the systematic study of the nature of literature and of the methods for literary analysis. It is the body of ideas and methods we use in the practical reading of literature. By literary theory we refer not to the meaning of a work of literature but to the theories that reveal what literature can mean. Literary theory is a description of the underlying principles, one might say the tools, by which we attempt to understand literature. All literary interpretation draws on a basis in theory but can serve as a justification for very different kinds of critical activity. It is literary theory that formulates the relationship between author and work; literary theory develops the significance of race, class, and gender for literary study, both from the standpoint of the biography of the author and an analysis of their thematic presence within texts. In simple words, it is a perspective with which we look at and interpret a text.

Environmental Study Of “Bahao”

Ecocriticism is an important theory among the new critical theories. Its formal inception in Western literature can be seen after the eighth decade of the last century. It took a long time to establish itself and gain acceptance there. Ecocritics were able to fully explain and use it in literature only after the 1990s.The term Ecology emerged in the middle of the 19th century. The name of German Biologist Ernst Haeckel is associated with this term.Ecology studies the relationship of living organisms with the environment and the ways they cope with it. When the term Ecology was used in literary criticism, it became known as eco-criticism. In Urdu, it has been translated as environmental literary criticism.Initially, Cheryll Glotfelty is credited with promoting this theory, and she is also considered the first American Ecocritic. According to Cheryll, environmental literary criticism is the study of the relationship between environment and literature. Just as feminist studies studied literature based on gender differences and Marxist criticism examined literature from a class perspective, Ecocriticism is based on earth-centered studies. In this context, literature, culture, and environment are of fundamental importance.Environmental literary criticism is different in every way from its contemporary movements that focus on the individual and society. The biggest driver of ecocriticism is the threats to nature. This theory not only describes the relationship between literature and the environment, but also takes into account the things that humans have associated with nature.Ecocriticism applies ecological concepts to literature. It studies the system of relationships between human culture and nature that is based on equality and mutual respect rather than the dominance or monopoly of one. Ecocriticism considers the atmosphere, environment, natural landscapes, culture, lifestyle, methods, locality, and rural environment present in literature and the way they are described. The preferences of environmental literary criticism include exploring indigenous and local characteristics in literature, identifying the threats they face, and proposing solutions to them. The theory of environmental literary criticism was introduced in Urdu literature in the 21st century. The first novel written in the context of ecocriticism is "Pagal Khana" by Hijab Imtiaz Ali.

Trauma, Haunting, and Representation: Rereading and the Translation Examination of Kokoro

The Japanese novel, Kokoro (1914), offers a profound insight into early 20th-century Japanese society encompassing history, politics, and literature. Although this novel has been extensively explored in literary and translation studies, the convergence remains underexplored. This study advocates integrating literary criticism with translation practice for a more faithful representation of narratives. Applying trauma/PTSD studies theory, it meticulously analyzes Kokoro, particularly examining the English and Chinese renditions of the pivotal term “談判 (danpan; negotiation)”. The methodology involves constructing a trilingual database, incorporating the Japanese source text and seven translations in English and Chinese. By scrutinizing specific passages, the study delves into trauma-related responses and behaviors, revealing their impact on long-lasting changes in personality and relationships. Emphasis is placed on the translation of key terms, preserving cultural and linguistic nuances. This innovative approach advances both literary criticism and translation theory, emphasizing psychological elements for a nuanced portrayal of characters’ states of mind. The study underscores the significance of trauma narratives in comprehending personal and historical traumas, asserting that translators of trauma literature must blend theoretical knowledge with social responsibility. They serve as “secondary witnesses,” entrusted with accurately transmitting traumatic stories between languages, fostering empathy, and preventing the repetition of tragedies in history. This approach provides an innovative interpretation of Kokoro and its translations, bridging the realms of literary criticism and translation studies.

Concretion

The ruins of wrecked ships are often so thoroughly dispersed by their submarine environments as to practically vanish. Sometimes, however, the conditions of a wreck's submergence create complex modes of material endurance. Concretion, which names both a substance that forms on certain immersed surfaces and the phenomenon of that substance's formation, is one such mode. Inspired by maritime-archeological objects and practices, this article asks how concretion—from the Latin concrēscĕre for “to grow together”—marks and reworks imperial (and other) presences at the seabed. The article develops a hermeneutics of benthic becoming at intersections in literary studies, critical theory, cultural geography, and recent subsea turns in the oceanic (and more broadly environmental) humanities. Wrecky concretion, I argue, configures the thickening presences of empire's remains in the course of their underwater lives and in company with seawater, marine organisms, and inanimate beings. In this way, manifestly imperial presences actively coincide with others—and with the agencies, memories, and affects such presences may be understood to express (and not). Pivotally informed by Édouard Glissant's critical deeps, Derek Walcott's “The Sea Is History” (1978), and the politics of memory enacted by the Slave Wrecks Project and Diving with a Purpose, I observe a few of the ways that concretion may be punctuating and revising oceanic spaces, memories, and times. If the world ocean has long been unevenly composed by modernity, capitalism, and empire, it has also been reforming the wrecked stuff it receives into unanticipated configurations, growings-together that these pages provisionally ascertain.