Literary Theory: Marxism (Pt. 2)

In our last video we discussed the material circumstances that the historical situation of a time period - in other words the economic situation that constructs the basis of a society.  We noted that Marx looked at the historical situation that he was in a felt that the capitalist economic system that was in place created an inequality between classes. He called those classes the Bourgeoisie, who control the means of production, and the Proletariat, the working class. This divide can lead to a revolution which upsets the economy, turns the political system into upheaval and creates social strife.  Karl's Marx solution for all was dictated in his writing of "The Communist Manifesto". We're going to look at some basic principles that Marx outlines in this reading.

 

The Communist Manifesto has four sections.

1.            It discusses the Communists' theory of history and the relationship between proletarians and bourgeoisie.

2.            Explains the relationship between the Communists and the proletarians.

3.            Addresses the flaws in other, previous socialist literature.

4.            Discusses the relationship between the Communists and other parties.

 

.           

Marx believed in a THREE PHASE process that needed to take place so that a utopia could be established:

Phase 1: A total revolution where the proletariat destroy the current system in its entirety

Phase 2: A dictator or ruler must gain control over the proletariat and has control over the citizens - in economy, politics and even personal choice

Phase 3: All non-communist are destroyed and everyone equally shares the wealth and property of the state. The government would control the means of production and distribute it equally - thus the elimination of classes

 

All this being said, Marx believed in these basic principles that are behind the communist manifesto:

• Everyone is created equal

• Regardless of your profession, everyone works to help society in some way – this means that everyone receives equal portions of societies wealth

• Everyone receives the same treatment and benefits

• All people work towards the same goals and ideals

• All people work for the same purpose and receive the same allowances

 

All of this sounds great in theory - everyone working together and wealth being equally distributed but communism when put into practice falls apart as the dictator or government is given too much power and, typically, creates an even greater class divide than capitalism. Think through these ideas on your own.

 

Other terms from Marxism:

 

Commodification: The valuing of material things not for their usefulness, but for their power to impress others (sign value). For example: driving Porsche or wearing brand name clothes

 

Conspicuous Consumption: Extreme focus on material acquisition.  This is what makes the wheels of capitalism turn - most people in society want to have more "stuff" and this desire is called conspicuous consumption.

 

False Consciousness: When cultural conditioning leads people to accept a system that is unfavourable to them. People don't even realize what's wrong with their society anymore

 

How does this relate to literature?

 

• Art and literature are often used as a form of propaganda to reinforce this false consciousness thereby suggesting to the proletariat that their situation is right and just.

 

• Literature is viewed as a form of entertainment, thus it may be used to maintain or manipulate the status quo by influencing an audience; thus literature is a great tool to serve the economic interests of the bourgeoisie.

 

• Any text, then, contains subject matter that can promote or criticize the historical circumstances in which it is set.

 

• If the subject matter is presented sympathetically, a text may promote the ideologies of the time.

 

• If the subject matter is presented critically, a text may depict the negative aspects of a socio-economic system.

 

• Therefore, the way in which literature is used has a significant impact on how a society may react to social conditions.

 

Think about the story of Hansel and Gretel. Their historical situation is that their father and evil stepmother is so poor that the father gives up the children. They represent the proletariat. They use crumbs (which can be seen as an example of sign value because this is a commodity they can barely afford) to lead them back home. They meet the woman who lives in the candy house - which by their stands is rich because she has so much food) and she represents the bourgeoisie.

Hansel and Gretel can also be interpreted from a feminist perspective and a Freudian perspective.  Each time your view of the story will change!