Marxist or Social Class Theory as applied to American Literature

1. Critical Theory #1: English 11 Honors Marxist or Social Class Theory as applied to American Literature

2. Karl Marx • German philosopher & economist • Points out inconsistencies in our society when it comes to economics

3. Marxist Analysis of Human Interaction • Focuses on relationships among socio-economic classes • He splits the classes into the “haves” and the “have-nots” • Haves or bourgeoisie control natural, economic, and human resources • Have-nots or proletariat majority of global population who live in substandard conditions and perform manual labor

4. America’s class system according to Marx • Homeless, the poor, the financially established, the well-to-do, and the extremely wealthy • Homeless and poor are economically oppressed • Financially established are economically oppressed AND established (ex: never own a mansion, tax burdens, etc.)

5. Marx believes… • The proletariat (have- nots) will one day develop class consciousness and rise up in violent revolution against their oppressors and create a classless society. • Class consciousness= become aware of the false ideologies oppressing you

6. The Key Become Aware of False Ideologies Helping Those In Power

7. Beliefs (or ideologies) that Serve to Support Those in Power • American Dream- financial success is simply the product of initiative and hard work. Marx disagrees because… That would mean the poor are lazy. • Classism- one’s value as a human being is equated with the social class one belongs. People at the top are better. • Marx disagrees because… • Rugged individualism- romanticizes the individual who strikes out in pursuit of a goal not easily achieved (can be high risk) • Ex: High risk business or journey for oil Marx disagrees because…

8. Continued • Consumerism- you get power from buying things even if you can’t afford it. Marx disagrees because… Haves benefit (like credit card companies) and the lower class goes into debt • Capitalism-means of production are privately owned and operated for private profit. Marx disagrees because… Poor is used for the rich to get ahead. Low wages OR eventually removed all together for technology

9. What does Marxist Theory State • Getting and keeping economic power is the motive behind all social and political activities • Can be applied to: education, philosophy, religion, government, technology, media, etc. • Economic power includes social and political power • Economic condition= how much you have to show for it materially

10. Marx on Literature • Literature is reflective of the real and historical conditions of the time period it is trying to convey

11. How can you apply this to Death of a Salesman? • Think about it.

12. A Marxist Look at Death of a Salesman The ideologies of the Loman family--- • The American Dream that tells Willy his self-worth is earned only by economic success (ex: Ben) • The Consumerism that keeps the Lomans buying on credit they can’t afford • “Survival of the fittest” capitalism that allows Howard to fire Willy with no concern for Willy’s deteriorating mental state

13. Continued • The travesty of a socioeconomic system (Howard’s company) that doesn’t require adequate pension coverage for its employees • Ben’s rugged individualism is romanticized in Willy’s mind. He went into the jungle and came out rich.

14. Questions to help with a Marxist reading • Does the piece of literature (intentionally or not) reinforce/support capitalist or classist values? How? • Does the work critique capitalism or classism? In other words, in what ways does the text invite the reader to condemn oppressive socioeconomic forces? • How does the work reflect (intentionally or not) the socioeconomic conditions of the time period it is set or written? • What does the piece reveal about class struggle?

15. The Great Gatsby Social Ladder of Power Tom Buchanan Daisy Buchanan Jay Gatsby Nick Carraway George Wilson Myrtle Wilson