Marxists on Literature: An Anthology by David Craig

Description

Marxists on Literature: An Anthology is a collection of essays by Marxist critics on the nature of literature and its role in society. The essays were written between the late 19th century and the mid-20th century, and they reflect the different strands of Marxist thought that developed during this time.

The book is divided into three parts:

• Part I: The Marxist Theory of Literature This part includes essays that outline the basic principles of Marxist literary criticism. These essays argue that literature is a product of the material conditions of society, and that it can be used to understand and critique those conditions.
• Part II: Marxist Criticism of Specific Works This part includes essays that apply Marxist theory to specific works of literature. These essays examine the ways in which these works reflect the social and historical conditions of their time.
• Part III: Marxist Criticism of Literary Genres This part includes essays that examine the ways in which different literary genres reflect the social and historical conditions of their time. These essays argue that different genres are suited to different purposes, and that they can be used to achieve different political effects.

Marxists on Literature is a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Marxist literary criticism. It provides a comprehensive overview of the different strands of Marxist thought on literature, and it includes essays on a wide range of literary works.

Here are some of the key ideas that are discussed in the book:

• Literature is a product of the material conditions of society. This means that it is shaped by the economic, political, and social forces of the time.
• Literature can be used to understand and critique those conditions. By analyzing literature, we can gain insights into the way that society works, and we can identify the forces that are driving social change.
• Different genres of literature are suited to different purposes. For example, epic poetry is well-suited to celebrating the achievements of a particular society, while tragedy is well-suited to exploring the darker side of human nature.
• Literature can be used to achieve different political effects. For example, it can be used to promote social change, to reinforce the status quo, or to simply entertain.

Marxists on Literature is a complex and challenging book, but it is also a rewarding one. It provides a new way of understanding literature, and it can help us to see the world in a new light.