What is critical theory Critical Theory the examination

What is “critical theory”? • Critical Theory- the examination and critique of a society and culture; reading knowledge and drawing knowledge from it. • We all come from different backgrounds, so we could all look at the same work of literature or art, and see a million different things- things different than what anyone else sees.

What is critical theory? • Essentially, there are many types of critical theories. Each one is a particular way in which to read something. • Think of each one as a different lens on a camera. Even though you may be looking at the same thing each time you change a lens, you will see the object in a different way each time you change your lens.

List of Critical Theories • Although there are many different types of theories or “lenses”, we are going to focus only on three: 1. Theory of Dual Consciousness 2. Feminist Theory 3. Marxist Theory

Dual Consciousness: What do you think it means?

Dual Consciousness: What do you think it means?

Dual Consciousness: What do you think it means?

Dual Consciousness: What do you think it means?

Dual Consciousness: What do you think it means?

Theory of Dual Consciousness • Do you ever have to be more than one person? Do you play more than one role in your life? Do you ever feel like you identify with more than one culture or group? • Kind of like having double-vision. • A way of thinking about the world between 2 antagonistic cultures. • Produces an “unstable” sense of “self”.

Theory of Dual Consciousness Exercise • Imagine that you are looking into a mirror. In your mind, split your face in half. On the sheet you have been given, decorate the two sides of your face indicating two very different roles you may play in life.

Juhmpi Lahiri • Born in London to Bengali parents 1967 • Indian-American Author • Grew up in Rhode Island • Was always embarrassed about her name • In what ways do you think she may have had a dual consciousness? • Is it safe to say that this dual consciousness would appear in her writing?

Jhumpi Lahiri’s The Namesake • Lahiri’s first novel • Published in 2003 • Turned into a major motion picture in 2006 • Gogol, the main character, goes through identity struggles, as do other characters. • Great story!

Gogul Ganguli The main character Born in America Bengali Parents Bengali = Indian state of West Bengal • Indian = people from the country of India, not Native Americans • •

Your Assignment • After the movie, you will turn in a one-page (in class) analysis of The Namesake using the dual consciousness critical theory. • You must take notes during the video which will be collected at the end of class. • Things to look for: – Who has an identity crisis? – How do you know (details)? – What implications does this have for the character? – What role does this struggle play in that character’s relationships? – Does the character ever resolve his/her identity crisis, and if so, how? If not, why?