Final Answer:
Patriarchy (A) denotes a societal structure where men hold primary power, contrasting with Feminist criticism (B), which analyzes works through a gender lens. Historical criticism (C) contextualizes texts within their era, aiding interpretations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Patriarchy, denoted by option A, refers to a social system where men hold primary power and dominate roles in society, often at the expense of women's rights and opportunities. Feminist criticism, represented by option B, involves analyzing literature and cultural works through a feminist lens, focusing on gender issues, equality, and the representation of women. Historical criticism, indicated by option C, involves examining texts within their historical contexts to understand their origins, influences, and societal implications during the time of their creation.
Patriarchy, the system of male dominance, shapes societal structures and power dynamics, impacting various facets of life, including politics, economics, and culture. Feminist criticism seeks to challenge and deconstruct patriarchal norms, exploring how literature and other forms of expression perpetuate or challenge gender stereotypes and inequalities. Historical criticism aids in understanding texts by contextualizing them within the social, political, and cultural milieu of their creation, shedding light on how historical contexts influence interpretations and meanings.
Matching these terms helps define key concepts within literary and cultural analysis. Patriarchy, feminist criticism, and historical criticism represent distinct yet interconnected aspects of understanding societal power dynamics, gender representation, and contextual interpretations, providing valuable lenses through which to analyze and critique literature and cultural artifacts.