How to I apply Marxism to literature?

A Marxist critics' concern with a literary text, will be to examine the narrative and character's ways of getting and keeping economic power is the motive behind all social and political activities, including education, philosophy, religion, government, the arts, science, technology, the media, and so on. Marxism focuses on the relationship between the perceived lower working class of society or proletariat, also known as the Infrastructure, and the Superstructure, or upper class of society referred to as the bourgeoise in Karl Marx's (1818-83) discussions. A Marxist analysis of a text will explore the ways in which the ruling influencers of society can be said to oppress the lower class in some shape or form, while acting with their own interests. This includes the act of commodification and exploitation of the labour of the working class. A Marxist reading of The Great Gatsby may examine the ways in which Tom Buchanan's exploitation of George Wilson indicate the ‘surplus value’ whereby ‘the bourgeoise pockets the difference between what they pay their workers and the value of the goods produced by the workers’ (Moore, Aiken & Chapman, 2006). This can be seen when Tom appears to sell his car to George; ‘When are you going to sell me that car?’ ‘Next week; I’ve got my man working on it now.’ […] ‘maybe I’d better sell it somewhere else after all’ (p. 17) This passage demonstrates a scenario whereby the bourgeoise exercise control in their option of market, whilst determining the product value of one’s labour, a nuance that conveys from a Marxist perspective, the typical attitude of the bourgeoise who only acknowledge the proletariat as a tool to suit their interests.

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

In Shakespeare's 'Richard III' how does Richard III manipulate those around him?


Explore the ways in which Oswald and Swift portray femininity in Dart and Waterland


'Wommen desiren to have sovereynetee/ As wel over her husband as hir love' (‘The Wife of Bath’s Tale, lines 1038-39) Discuss the relationship between women and love in Chaucer's 'The Wife of Bath's Tale'


Compare the significance of female protagonists in two of the texts that you have studied. One drama and one prose text.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy