Assignment major :- 16

 College :- Maharanishree Nandkuvarba Mahila arts & commerce College 

Name :- Gohil Niraliba virendrasinh 

Year :- T.y B.A Sem - 6

Subject :- English 

Paper Name :- Mordan literary criticism 

Credit :- 4

Professor Name :- Rachna ma'am

* CLASS ASSIGNMENT 

Topic :-

             The scope of stacturalism 

• Introduction 

Structuralism is a critical and intellectual approach that studies how meaning is produced through underlying structures. It emerged mainly in the 20th century and was influenced by the ideas of Ferdinand de Saussure, who argued that language is a system of signs. Structuralism is widely used in fields like literature, linguistics, anthropology, psychology, and cultural studies.

• The scope of stacturalism  

1. Scope in Linguistics

Structuralism began in linguistics with Saussure’s theory of language as a structured system. Language is seen as a system of signs made up of signifier (sound/image) and signified (concept). It studies how words gain meaning through their relationship with other words. Focus is on structure rather than individual elements.

• Example: The meaning of the word “tree” is understood because it is different from “bush,” “plant,” etc.

2. Scope in Literary Criticism

Structuralism plays a major role in analyzing literature. It studies the underlying patterns, themes, and structures in texts. Focus is not on the author’s intention but on the text itself. It examines narrative structures, symbols, and binary oppositions. Important contributors include Roland Barthes and Claude Lévi-Strauss.

• Example: In a story, structuralists analyze oppositions like good vs evil, hero vs villain, etc.

3. Scope in Anthropology

Structuralism is widely used in anthropology, especially by Lévi-Strauss. It studies cultural systems such as myths, rituals, and kinship. It finds universal patterns in human thinking. Suggests that human cultures are structured similarly.

• Example: Myths from different cultures may share similar structures or patterns.

4. Scope in Psychology

Structuralism also influenced psychology, especially early schools. It studies the structure of the human mind and consciousness. Focus on breaking down mental processes into basic components. Although later replaced by other approaches, it laid the foundation for modern psychology.

5. Scope in Cultural Studies

Structuralism helps analyze cultural practices and systems. Studies media, fashion, advertisements, and social behavior as systems of signs. Helps understand how meaning is constructed in everyday life.

• Example: A dress or symbol can represent culture, status, or identity.

6. Study of Binary Oppositions

A key scope of structuralism is identifying binary oppositions:

° Good vs Evil

° Male vs Female

° Nature vs Culture

These oppositions help structure meaning in texts and society.

7. Universal Structures

Structuralism aims to discover universal patterns:

° Common structures in language

° Shared narrative forms in literature

° Similar cultural patterns across societies

It believes human thinking follows certain universal rules.

8. Scientific Approach to Humanities

Structuralism tries to make subjects like literature and culture more scientific and systematic:

° Uses models and frameworks

° Focuses on objective analysis

° Avoids personal interpretation

• conclusion 

The scope of structuralism is vast and comprehensive. It provides a systematic method to study language, literature, culture, and human thought by focusing on underlying structures and relationships. By identifying patterns, binary oppositions, and universal systems, structuralism has made a significant contribution to modern literary theory and other disciplines. Even today, it remains an important foundation for understanding how meaning is created and interpreted in different fields.

* HOME ASSIGNMENT 

Topic :- 

           What freudian psychoanalysis critics do 

• Introduction

According to Freud, human behavior is not entirely controlled by conscious thought. Much of our thinking is influenced by the unconscious mind, which contains hidden desires, fears, and memories. Freudian critics apply these ideas to literature, believing that both authors and characters reveal their unconscious through language, symbols, and actions.

• Main Functions of Freudian Psychoanalytic Critics

1. Analysis of the Author’s Psychology

Freudian critics often study the author’s life to understand the deeper meaning of a text. They believe literary works are influenced by the writer’s unconscious mind. Past experiences, especially childhood events, shape creative expression.

• example, if an author experienced trauma or emotional conflict, it may appear indirectly in their writing.

2. Study of Characters as Psychological Beings

Characters in literature are analyzed as if they are real people with complex mental lives.

• Freudian critics explore:

° Hidden desires and fears

° Emotional conflicts

° Motivations behind actions

• They apply Freud’s structure of personality:

Id – basic instincts and desires (pleasure principle)

Ego – logical thinking (reality principle)

Superego – moral values and conscience

Conflict between these three elements often explains a character’s behavior.

3. Interpretation of Symbols and Imagery

Freudian criticism pays close attention to symbols, images, and metaphors. Many objects or situations in literature represent unconscious desires. Critics decode these symbols to reveal hidden meanings. For instance, natural elements like water, darkness, or caves may symbolize deeper psychological states.

4. Dream Analysis

Freud considered dreams as the “royal road to the unconscious.” Dreams in literature are interpreted like real dreams. They often reveal suppressed thoughts and desires. Critics analyze dream sequences to uncover deeper truths about characters.

5. Concept of Repression

Repression is a key idea in Freudian theory. It refers to pushing painful or unacceptable thoughts into the unconscious. Freudian critics identify what is hidden or suppressed in a text. These repressed elements often appear indirectly through symbols, slips of language, or unusual behavior.

6. Importance of Childhood Experiences

Freud believed that early childhood experiences strongly influence personality. Critics examine how childhood shapes characters and themes. Emotional trauma or family relationships often play a major role.

7. Oedipus Complex and Family Relations

One of Freud’s famous concepts is the Oedipus complex. It refers to a child’s unconscious attraction to the opposite-sex parent and rivalry with the same-sex parent.

• Freudian critics often analyze:

° Parent-child relationships

° Family conflicts

° Emotional attachments within families

8. Language and Slips (Freudian Slips)

Freudian critics also examine language carefully. Mistakes in speech or writing (called “slips”) may reveal hidden thoughts. Dialogue in literature may contain unconscious meanings.

• Key Concepts in Freudian Criticism

The unconscious mind

Repression

Id, Ego, Superego

Dreams and symbolism

Sexual and instinctual drives

Childhood experiences

•  Purpose of Freudian Psychoanalytic Criticism

The main aim of this approach is:

To uncover hidden meanings in literary texts

To explore psychological depth of characters

To understand the influence of the unconscious on literature

To connect literature with human behavior and mental processes

• Advantages

Provides deep insight into characters and themes

Reveals hidden layers of meaning

Connects literature with psychology

• Limitations

May overemphasize sexuality and unconscious desires

Sometimes ignores historical and social context

Can be too interpretative or subjective

• Conclusion

Freudian psychoanalytic criticism offers a powerful way to understand literature by exploring the hidden workings of the human mind. By focusing on unconscious desires, repression, and psychological conflict, it reveals deeper meanings in texts that are not immediately visible. This approach shows that literature is not just a form of storytelling, but also a reflection of human psychology and inner life.

                          * ESSAY 

Topic:- 

       Feminism and feminist criticism 

•  Introduction

Feminism is a powerful social, political, and intellectual movement that seeks equality between men and women. It challenges discrimination, oppression, and injustice faced by women throughout history. Feminist criticism is a branch of literary criticism that applies feminist principles to the study of literature. It examines how women are represented in literary works and questions male-dominated perspectives in writing and criticism. Together, feminism and feminist criticism aim to create awareness, equality, and justice in both society and literature.

• Feminism: Meaning and Development

Definition of Feminism

Feminism is the belief in social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. It seeks to eliminate gender discrimination and establish equal rights and opportunities for women.

Feminism opposes patriarchy, a system in which men hold primary power in society and dominate women in political leadership, moral authority, property control, and social privilege.

• Historical Development (Waves of Feminism)

Feminism developed in different phases, commonly known as waves:

1. First Wave Feminism (19th – Early 20th Century)

The first wave focused mainly on legal rights, especially women’s right to vote and property rights. Women demanded equal citizenship.

A key thinker of this period was Mary Wollstonecraft, who argued for women's education and equality in her book A Vindication of the Rights of Woman.

2. Second Wave Feminism (1960s–1980s)

The second wave expanded the movement to include social and cultural inequalities. It dealt with issues such as:

° Workplace discrimination

° Reproductive rights

° Domestic violence

° Family roles

Simone de Beauvoir played a significant role during this period. In her book The Second Sex, she famously stated, “One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman,” highlighting that gender roles are socially constructed.

3. Third Wave Feminism (1990s–2000s)

This wave emphasized individuality, diversity, and intersectionality. It recognized that women’s experiences differ based on race, class, nationality, and sexuality.

4. Fourth Wave Feminism (21st Century)

This wave focuses on gender justice, sexual harassment, body positivity, and digital activism through social media platforms.

• Major Ideas and Principles of Feminism

Gender Equality – Equal rights and opportunities for all genders.

1. Women’s Empowerment – Encouraging independence and confidence.

2. Critique of Patriarchy – Challenging male dominance in society.

3. Freedom of Choice – In career, marriage, education, and lifestyle.

4. Representation – Fair and accurate portrayal of women.

• Development of Feminist Literary Criticism

Feminist criticism became prominent in the 20th century. Women critics began to question why literature was dominated by male writers and male viewpoints.

Virginia Woolf, in her book A Room of One’s Own, argued that women need financial independence and personal space to create literature.

Elaine Showalter developed the concept of Gynocriticism, which focuses on studying women writers and women’s literary traditions.

• Key Concepts in Feminist Criticism

1. Patriarchy

A male-dominated social system where women are marginalized.

2. Gender vs. Sex

Sex: Biological difference.

Gender: Socially constructed roles assigned to men and women.

3. Stereotyping

Traditional literature often portrays women as:

° Weak

° Emotional

° Dependent

° Passive

Feminist critics challenge these stereotypes.

4. Representation

Examines whether women are shown as independent individuals or limited to domestic roles.

• Types of Feminist Criticism

1. Liberal Feminism – Focuses on equal rights and legal reforms.

2. Radical Feminism – Seeks to dismantle patriarchy completely.

3. Marxist Feminism – Connects women’s oppression with capitalism.

4. Psychoanalytic Feminism – Studies gender identity through psychology.

5. Gynocriticism – Focuses on women’s writing and female experiences.

• Importance of Feminism and Feminist Criticism

Feminism has brought major changes in laws, education, employment, and social attitudes. Feminist criticism has transformed literary studies by:

° Expanding the literary canon

° Encouraging inclusive reading

° Giving voice to marginalized women writers

° Promoting equality in literary representation

• Conclusion

Feminism is a movement for equality, justice, and empowerment of women. Feminist criticism applies these principles to literature by analyzing gender representation and challenging patriarchal values in texts. It plays an important role in reshaping society and literary studies by promoting fairness, diversity, and respect for women’s experiences.

* Reference 

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