Question

Read the excerpt below and answer the question.

They argue that criticism, like literature, is essentially political because it either challenges or supports economic oppression. (“Critical Strategies for Reading,” p. 2013)

Which group of scholars does the passage above describe?

Marxist critics
feminist critics
formalist critics
psychological critics

Answer 1

The answer is: Marxist critics

Marxist criticism aims attention at the ideological study of a work of literature to remedy social injustice. Thus, it claims that behind a written composition there are socioeconomic interests which can encourage or oppose social subjugation and economic tyranny.

Answer 2

The correct answer is: Marxist critics.

According to Marxist criticism, literature reflects class struggle and materialism, viewing literature not as works created in accordance with timeless artistic criteria, but as products of the economic and ideological determinants specific to that era. In this case, relating literature to politics because of how it resembles oppression.