Marxist Criticism - Marqueza

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Introduction

Analyzing literature through the lens of social and economic power dynamics offers a way to understand
how texts reflect, challenge, or reinforce the struggles between different classes in society. This approach
examines how wealth, power, and material conditions shape the experiences and relationships of
characters, revealing the underlying conflicts that drive the narrative. By focusing on these aspects, one
can uncover the deeper societal structures that influence the creation and reception of literary works.

Definition
Marxist Criticism, also known as Marxism, is a socio-political and economic theory based on the ideas of
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. It is a critical framework that aims to explain the way society works and
the relationship between the ruling class and the working class.

Proponents
● Karl Marx: The foundational thinker behind Marxist theory, whose ideas about capitalism, class
conflict, and historical materialism form the basis of Marxist criticism.
● Friedrich Engels: Collaborator with Marx, who co-authored several key works and contributed
to the development of Marxist theory.

Historical Background
● 19th Century Origins: Marxist criticism originated in the 19th century alongside the rise of
industrial capitalism, where Marx and Engels critiqued the exploitation inherent in capitalist
systems.
● Evolution in the 20th Century: The theory was further developed and applied to literary studies
in the 20th century, especially by figures like Georg Lukács and Antonio Gramsci, who expanded
Marxist analysis to culture and ideology.
● Impact on Literary Studies: Marxist criticism has significantly influenced literary studies,
especially in its examination of how literature both reflects and influences social structures and
power relations.

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