Assignment : {major=16} Modern literary criticism (URV)

 maharani nandkuvarba mahila arts and commerce college

NAME : Upadhyay Rudri Virendrabhai

 

YEAR: ty [sem-6]

MAIN SUBJECT: English

PAPER NAME: [major-16] Modern literary criticism 

ASSIGNMENT NAME & TOPICS;1.Class assignment-                                                                             structuralism 
                                                                            

                   2 .Home assignment-psychoanalytic criticism 

                                                                                                   

                                            3.ESSAY ASSIGNMET : psychoanalytic study                                                                              and criticism 

                                                

             FACULTY NAME : Rachna ma'am

                                       CLASS ASSIGNMENT 

STRUCTURALISM :  1. Scope of structuralism ,2. what structuralism critic do?,3.structuralistic criticism : examples .

 

                                        

                         1. scope of structuralism :

Structuralism is a literary and cultural theory that studies the underlying structures that shape language, literature, and human culture. It is mainly associated with the linguist Ferdinand de Saussure, who introduced the idea that language is a system of signs. Later thinkers like Claude Lévi-Strauss applied it to anthropology, and Roland Barthes applied it to literature.

The scope of structuralism is wide because it can be applied to many fields of study:

1. Linguistics

Structuralism began in linguistics. Saussure explained that language is made up of:

• Signifier (sound or word)

• Signified (concept or meaning)

Structuralism studies how words gain meaning through their relationship with other words in a system.

2. Literary Criticism

In literature, structuralism analyzes:

• The structure of a text

• Narrative patterns

• Themes and symbols

• Binary oppositions (e.g., good/evil, light/dark)

It focuses on how a story is constructed rather than the author's intention or historical background.

For example, structuralists study common story patterns found in myths and folktales.

3. Anthropology

Claude Lévi-Strauss used structuralism to study myths and tribal cultures.
He believed that all human cultures share similar mental structures and patterns.

4. Semiotics (Study of Signs)

Structuralism studies how signs function in society — including:

• Advertisements

• Fashion

• Films

• Media

Roland Barthes analyzed everyday objects and popular culture as systems of signs.

5. Narratology

Structuralism studies the structure of narratives:

• Plot patterns

• Character roles

• Repeated story formulas

It examines how stories follow certain universal models.

Key Features of Structuralism

• Focus on structure rather than individual elements

• Meaning comes from relationships within a system

• Interest in binary oppositions

• Scientific and systematic approach

Conclusion

The scope of structuralism is very broad. It extends from language to literature, anthropology, media, and culture. Structuralism helps us understand how meaning is created through hidden structures and systems that operate beneath the surface of texts and society.

                            2. What structuralist critic do?

A structuralist critic studies the structure of a text rather than focusing on the author’s life, historical background, or personal emotions. Structuralist criticism is mainly influenced by Ferdinand de Saussure and later developed by thinkers like Roland Barthes and Claude Lévi-Strauss.

Here is what a structuralist critic does:

1. Studies the Structure of the Text

A structuralist critic analyzes how a text is organized:

• Plot structure

• Narrative pattern

• Repeated motifs

• Character roles

They believe meaning comes from the arrangement of elements within the text.

2. Looks for Binary Oppositions

Structuralists identify opposites in a text, such as:

• Good vs Evil

• Light vs Darkness

• Nature vs Culture

• Rich vs Poor

These oppositions help reveal the deeper meaning of the work.

3. Analyzes Language as a System

Following Saussure’s idea, structuralist critics examine:

• Signs (signifier and signified)

• How words gain meaning through difference

• The relationship between language and meaning

They treat literature as a system of signs.

4. Identifies Universal Patterns

Structuralist critics search for:

• Common story patterns

• Mythical structures

• Archetypal roles

For example, they may study how many stories follow similar structures (hero’s journey, conflict-resolution pattern, etc.).

5. Focuses on the Text, Not the Author

A structuralist critic does not emphasize:

• Author’s biography

• Personal feelings

• Historical context

Instead, they focus on the internal system of the text.

Conclusion

A structuralist critic studies the underlying structures, patterns, and systems that shape a literary work. They believe that meaning is not individual or personal but produced by the structure of language and cultural systems.

                  3.structuralist criticism : example

Structuralist criticism is a method of literary analysis that studies the structure of a text rather than the author’s life, emotions, or historical background. It is based on the linguistic theories of Ferdinand de Saussure, who explained that language is a system of signs. Later thinkers such as Claude Lévi-Strauss, Roland Barthes, and Vladimir Propp developed structuralist ideas in anthropology and literature.

Structuralist critics believe that meaning is not created by individual words or personal experiences but by the underlying structures that organize language and culture.

Key Principles of Structuralist Criticism

1. Literature as a System of Signs

Saussure stated that language consists of:

• Signifier (the word or sound)

• Signified (the concept or meaning)

Structuralist critics apply this idea to literature and argue that a text is a system of signs where meaning is produced through relationships between elements.

2. Binary Oppositions

Structuralism emphasizes binary oppositions, such as:

• Good vs Evil

• Light vs Darkness

• Rich vs Poor

• Nature vs Culture

• Love vs Hate

These oppositions help reveal the deep structure of a text.

3. Focus on Structure, Not Author

Structuralist criticism:

• Does not focus on the author’s biography

• Does not emphasize personal emotions

• Does not concentrate on historical context

Instead, it studies how the text is constructed.

4. Universal Patterns

Structuralists believe that many stories share similar patterns and structures across cultures.

For example, folktales often follow a similar structure:

• Problem

• Conflict

• Help

• Resolution

Example of Structuralist Criticism

Example 1: Cinderella

A structuralist critic would analyze the structure of Cinderella rather than its author.

(A) Binary Oppositions

The story is built on opposites:

• Kind vs Cruel

• Beauty vs Ugliness

• Rich vs Poor

• Oppression vs Freedom

These oppositions create meaning in the story.

(B) Narrative Structure

The story follows a common pattern:

1. Initial Situation – Cinderella is unhappy and treated badly.

2. Conflict – Stepmother prevents her from attending the ball.

3. Supernatural Help – Fairy godmother appears.

4. Climax – The ball and glass slipper.

5. Resolution – Marriage with the prince.

This structure is common in many folktales.

(C) Character Functions (Propp’s Theory)

According to Vladimir Propp, folktales have fixed character roles:

• Hero – Cinderella

• Villain – Stepmother

• Donor – Fairy godmother

• Helper – Magical elements

• Prize/Reward – Marriage

The focus is on their functions, not their personalities.

Example 2: Romeo and Juliet

In Romeo and Juliet, a structuralist critic would focus on:

Binary Oppositions:

• Love vs Hate

• Youth vs Age

• Individual vs Society

• Life vs Death

The tragedy develops from these structural oppositions.

The critic studies how the conflict between the Montagues and Capulets forms a structural pattern that leads to tragedy.

Conclusion

Structuralist criticism studies the hidden structures, patterns, and systems that organize literature. It focuses on:

• Language as a system

• Binary oppositions

• Narrative patterns

• Character roles

• Universal structures

                                           HOME ASSIGNMENT

                 psychoanalytic criticism : 

                                   1.How Freudian interpretation works:

Freudian interpretation is a method of literary criticism based on the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud. It studies how unconscious desires, repressed emotions, childhood experiences, and hidden fears influence characters, authors, and literary texts.

Freud believed that human behavior is largely controlled by the unconscious mind, and psychoanalytic critics apply this idea to literature.

Basic Principles of Freudian Theory

1. The Structure of the Mind

Freud divided the human mind into three parts:

• Id – Instincts, desires, pleasure principle

• Ego – Rational thinking, reality principle

• Superego – Moral values and conscience

In literature, critics analyze how characters struggle between these forces.

2. The Unconscious Mind

Freud believed that many feelings and desires are repressed (hidden in the unconscious).
Freudian critics look for:

• Hidden meanings

• Symbolic actions

• Dreams and fantasies

• Repressed emotions

3. Oedipus Complex

One important Freudian concept is the Oedipus Complex, named after the Greek myth and the play Oedipus Rex by Sophocles.

Freud suggested that:

• A boy may unconsciously desire his mother and feel rivalry toward his father.

• A girl may experience a similar conflict (Electra complex).

Critics use this concept to analyze family relationships in literature.

How Freudian Interpretation Works in Literature

Step 1: Analyze Characters Psychologically

The critic studies:

• Hidden fears

• Repressed desires

• Sexual impulses

• Childhood trauma

Example: A character’s anger may represent repressed frustration.

Step 2: Interpret Symbols

Freudian critics believe that many objects or events in literature symbolize unconscious desires.

For example:

• Dreams represent hidden wishes.

• Darkness may symbolize fear or repression.

• Water may symbolize birth or sexuality.

Step 3: Study Author’s Psychology (Sometimes)

Some Freudian critics analyze:

• The author’s childhood

• Personal trauma

• Psychological conflicts

They believe literary works may reflect the writer’s unconscious mind.

Example of Freudian Interpretation

Example: Hamlet

In Hamlet by William Shakespeare, a Freudian critic might argue:

• Hamlet delays killing Claudius because of unconscious Oedipal feelings.

• He may feel guilty because Claudius has fulfilled Hamlet’s hidden desire (killing the father and marrying the mother).

• His inner conflict represents the struggle between id, ego, and superego.

Conclusion

Freudian interpretation works by uncovering the hidden psychological meanings in a text. It:

• Focuses on unconscious desires

• Analyzes symbols and dreams

• Studies repression and childhood experiences

• Examines inner conflicts of characters

Thus, Freudian criticism sees literature as an expression of the human unconscious mind.

 2.What Freudian psychoanalytic criticism critics do?

Freudian psychoanalytic critics apply the theories of Sigmund Freud to literature. They believe that literary texts reveal hidden desires, unconscious fears, repressed emotions, and psychological conflicts. Their goal is to uncover the deep psychological meaning behind characters, symbols, and events.

1. Analyze the Unconscious Mind of Characters

Freudian critics examine:

• Repressed desires

• Hidden fears

• Childhood trauma

• Guilt and anxiety

• Dreams and fantasies

They believe that characters often act according to unconscious motives rather than logical thinking.

2. Examine Id, Ego, and Superego

Freud divided the mind into three parts:

• Id – Instincts and desires

• Ego – Rational thinking

• Superego – Moral values

Critics study how these forces conflict within characters.

3. Interpret Symbols Psychologically

Freudian critics interpret symbols as expressions of unconscious desires.

For example:

• Dreams = wish fulfillment

• Darkness = fear or repression

• Locked doors or closed rooms = hidden secrets of the mind

4. Study Family Relationships (Oedipus Complex)

Freud’s idea of the Oedipus Complex (inspired by Oedipus Rex by Sophocles) is often used to analyze family conflicts and parent-child relationships in literature.

Example: Macbeth

In Macbeth by William Shakespeare, a Freudian critic might analyze:

1. Repressed Ambition

Macbeth’s ambition represents the id (desire for power).
His conscience (superego) creates guilt after he kills King Duncan.

2. Guilt and the Unconscious

• Macbeth sees hallucinations (the dagger and Banquo’s ghost).

• Lady Macbeth sleepwalks and tries to wash imaginary blood from her hands.

These actions symbolize repressed guilt and psychological disturbance.

3. Defense Mechanisms

Macbeth tries to justify his crimes to reduce anxiety — this shows psychological defense mechanisms.

Conclusion

Freudian psychoanalytic critics:

• Study unconscious desires

• Analyze id, ego, and superego

• Interpret symbols psychologically

• Examine guilt, repression, and defense mechanisms

They view literature as an expression of hidden psychological conflicts within the human mind.

     

   3. Freudian psychoanalytic criticism : example

Freudian psychoanalytic criticism is based on the theories of Sigmund Freud. It studies unconscious desires, repression, guilt, dreams, sexuality, and inner psychological conflicts in literary works.

Example 1: The Scarlet Letter

In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne:

Repression and Guilt

Arthur Dimmesdale hides his sin of adultery.
According to Freud, repressed guilt does not disappear — it returns as suffering.
Dimmesdale’s illness represents his unconscious guilt.

Id and Superego Conflict

• His hidden desire represents the id.

• His strong religious morality represents the superego.

• His mental suffering shows the conflict between them.

Example 2: Oedipus Rex

In Oedipus Rex by Sophocles:

Oedipus Complex

Freud developed the concept of the Oedipus Complex from this play.

• Oedipus unknowingly kills his father.

• He marries his mother.

Freud believed this story reflects unconscious childhood desires present in all humans.

Fate and the Unconscious

Oedipus tries to escape fate, but his unconscious actions lead him toward it.
This shows how hidden forces control human behavior.

Conclusion

Freudian critics:

• Study unconscious motives

• Analyze repression and guilt

• Examine id, ego, and superego

• Interpret symbols and dreams psychologically

They see literature as a reflection of hidden psychological conflicts within the human mind.

                            ESSAY ASSIGNMENT

Psychoanalytical Study: Love Marriage vs Arranged Marriage

A psychoanalytical study of love marriage and arranged marriage is based on the theories of Sigmund Freud. Psychoanalysis focuses on the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, hidden desires, family influence, and inner conflicts.

Instead of studying marriage socially or culturally, psychoanalysis studies it psychologically.

1. Love Marriage – A Psychoanalytic View

In love marriage, individuals choose their partners based on attraction, emotion, and personal desire.

(A) Role of the Unconscious

Freud believed that attraction is not fully conscious. A person may choose a partner who:

• Resembles a parent (Oedipus/Electra influence)

• Reflects childhood experiences

• Fulfills hidden emotional needs

Thus, love may be influenced by unconscious desires.

(B) Id, Ego, and Superego

• Id – Romantic passion, physical attraction

• Ego – Practical decision-making

• Superego – Social morality and family expectations

In love marriage, the id (desire and emotion) often plays a stronger role. Conflict may arise when the superego (society/family) opposes the choice.

(C) Idealization

Psychoanalysis says lovers may idealize each other.
They project their fantasies and unconscious wishes onto their partner. After marriage, reality may challenge this illusion.

2. Arranged Marriage – A Psychoanalytic View

In arranged marriage, family plays an important role in partner selection.

(A) Superego Dominance

Arranged marriage often reflects:

• Social values

• Family authority

• Cultural expectations

Here, the superego (moral and social rules) is stronger than the id.

(B) Security and Parental Influence

Freud emphasized the importance of childhood attachment.
Arranged marriage may:

• Provide psychological security

• Reflect trust in parental authority

• Reduce anxiety about making the “wrong” choice

The individual may unconsciously seek parental approval.

(C) Repression of Desire

Sometimes personal desires may be suppressed in arranged marriage.
If unconscious wishes are repressed, it may lead to:

• Emotional frustration

• Inner conflict

• Defense mechanisms (denial, rationalization)

3. Psychological Comparison

Love Marriage	Arranged Marriage
Driven by personal desire (Id)	Guided by social rules (Superego)
Strong emotional attraction	Focus on stability and compatibility
Risk of idealization	Emphasis on family approval
Possible conflict with society	Possible repression of personal choice

From a psychoanalytic perspective:

• Love marriage is often influenced by unconscious attraction and emotional desire.

• Arranged marriage is shaped more by family authority, social norms, and the superego.

Both forms of marriage involve psychological forces such as desire, repression, projection, childhood attachment, and inner conflict.

Thus, psychoanalysis shows that marriage is not only a social institution but also a reflection of deep psychological processes within the human mind.

A psychoanalytical study of marriage is based on the theories of Sigmund Freud. It focuses on the unconscious mind, childhood experiences, hidden desires, repression, and the conflict between id, ego, and superego.

Psychoanalytical View

1. Love Marriage

(A) Role of the Id

Love marriage is often influenced by:

• Romantic passion

• Physical attraction

• Emotional attachment

According to Freud, attraction may come from unconscious desires or childhood patterns (for example, choosing a partner similar to a parent).

(B) Idealization and Projection

Lovers may:

• Project their fantasies onto each other

• Idealize their partner

After marriage, reality may break this illusion, leading to disappointment.

(C) Conflict with Superego

If family or society opposes the marriage, there may be tension between:

• Personal desire (Id)

• Social morality (Superego)

2. Arranged Marriage

(A) Superego Dominance

Arranged marriage often reflects:

• Family authority

• Cultural traditions

• Social approval

Here, the superego plays a stronger role than personal desire.

(B) Psychological Security

Freud emphasized childhood attachment.
Arranged marriage may:

• Provide emotional security

• Reduce anxiety

• Offer family support

(C) Repression

Sometimes personal wishes are suppressed for family expectations.
This repression may cause:

• Emotional frustration

• Inner psychological conflict

Criticism of Psychoanalytical Approach

Although psychoanalysis provides deep insight, it has several criticisms:

1. Overemphasis on Sexuality

Freud’s theory focuses too much on sexual desire and unconscious impulses.

2. Lack of Scientific Proof

Many psychoanalytic ideas cannot be tested scientifically.

3. Ignoring Social and Cultural Factors

Marriage is also influenced by:

• Economic conditions

• Education

• Social values

• Gender roles

Psychoanalysis sometimes ignores these important factors.

4. Western Bias

Freud’s theories were developed in Western society and may not fully apply to cultures where arranged marriage is common.

5. Over-Interpretation

Critics argue that psychoanalysis may interpret simple emotions as deep unconscious conflicts unnecessarily.

Conclusion

From a psychoanalytical perspective:

• Love marriage reflects unconscious desire, attraction, and projection.

• Arranged marriage reflects social morality, parental influence, and security needs.

However, psychoanalysis alone cannot fully explain marriage because social, cultural, and economic factors also play important roles.