The Way We See Stories (Synthesis Post)

            There are many different ways we see stories, this is the basis of literary criticism.  We are learning how to see a work from many different points of view, which helps us create a better picture of what the author may mean from the work.  Some of the many types of criticism are:

• New Criticism – the structure and form of the piece: Is it a poem or prose?  Are there similes? Are there other techniques the author uses to shape the form and do they affect the meaning of the piece?
• Psychoanalytical – the psychological state of the author, the characters, and the audience: Why did the author write this piece this way?  Are the characters in a certain psychological state for a reason?  What is the psychological state of the audience and how will the work influence them?
• New Historicist – the historical context of the piece: How does the work fit into that society and historical time period?
• Marxist – the power structure of the society: How are the people divided into classes?  What are the power struggles and relations in the work?
• Feminist – the way the work relates to women: How does the work portray women?  Is there a statement being made about women? How are women treated?
• Post Colonial – the role imperialism has played in the work: Is there a conquering group in the piece? How are minorities treated in the work?
• Archetypal/Mythological – the archetype the work fits: Is the work a tragedy? What about a comedy? Or a romance or irony?

These are some of the types of criticism, but there are even more that cover other ways to look at literature too.