Show how literary criticism and theory have developed a materialistic dimension based on Marxism
Marxist literary criticism is a way of looking at literature through the lens of class, power, economy, and social conditions. It is based on the ideas of Karl Marx, who believed that the way people produce and distribute wealth shapes their lives and ideas. Marxism sees society as divided into classes—the rich (bourgeoisie) and the poor (proletariat). In literature, this approach tries to understand how these class differences are shown in stories, poems, and plays. This creates a materialistic dimension to literary theory because it focuses on real-life social and economic situations.
1. Literature as a Social Product
Marxist critics believe that literature is not created in a vacuum. It reflects the time, place, and social conditions in which it was written. For example, a novel written during the Industrial Revolution might show the struggles of factory workers, poor living conditions, or the greed of business owners. Literature shows the conflicts between classes and the impact of wealth and poverty on people’s lives.
2. Ideology and Power
Another important idea in Marxist theory is ideology. This refers to the set of beliefs and values that the ruling class uses to maintain control. Literature can either support or question these beliefs. For example, a story that shows a poor character becoming rich through hard work might support the capitalist idea of success. But a novel that shows the unfairness of the system, like George Orwell’s Animal Farm, might challenge the dominant ideology. Marxist critics look at how literature shapes or resists social power.
3. Class Struggle in Literature
Marxist theory pays close attention to class struggle—the conflict between the ruling and working classes. Many classic novels, like Charles Dickens’ Hard Times or John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, show how the poor suffer under unfair systems. These works reveal how economic conditions influence characters and their choices. The materialistic view in Marxist criticism tries to show that these problems are not personal but are caused by larger social systems.
4. Author’s Class Position
Marxist critics also study the background of the writer. They ask questions like: What was the author’s class? Whose point of view is being shown? Are the poor given a voice in the story? If a rich writer only shows the lives of other rich people, that might reflect a certain bias. On the other hand, writers like Maxim Gorky or Bertolt Brecht used literature to support the working class and promote social change.
5. Literature as a Tool for Change
Marxism believes that literature can help change society. By showing unfair systems, a novel or play can make readers more aware of social issues. For example, Upton Sinclair’s novel The Jungle exposed poor working conditions in American meat factories and led to reforms. Marxist critics support literature that awakens people and inspires action.
6. Modern Marxist Theorists
Later thinkers like Georg Lukács, Louis Althusser, and Terry Eagleton added more depth to Marxist criticism. Lukács focused on realism in literature, while Althusser discussed how literature helps spread ideology. Terry Eagleton explained how literary theory itself is linked to power and class.
Conclusion
In conclusion, literary criticism has gained a strong materialistic dimension through Marxism. By focusing on class, economy, and ideology, Marxist critics show how literature reflects and challenges the real-world struggles of people. It turns literature into more than just art—it becomes a tool to understand and possibly change society. This approach encourages readers to ask deeper questions about justice, equality, and the forces that shape our lives.