Decide upon one or more of the lenses/approaches (Links to an external site.)

Discussion: Literary Criticism Theory Application

For our discussion this week, let’s see how well you understand literary
criticism approaches by examining an image. Take a look at the image
below from the cover of a book based on Perrault’s Cinderella or The
Little Glass Slipper. Decide upon one or more of the lenses/approaches
(Links to an external site.) from which to view this image. (ex.- How
might a feminist view this image? What does this image say about the
economic values of a particular culture? Is there a religious influence
in this image?How about viewing it through an ecocriticism lens?) I
would like to see as many approaches as possible discussed throughout
this discussion from our large class so refer to the previous slides
within this week’s module.
DO NOT SUMMARIZE the plot of the tale. There is no text here, so only interpret based on what you see through that lens.
Begin by identifying the lens/approach you are using, see the Purdue OWL (Links to an external site.).
Briefly define it and then discuss your criticism of the image through that lens.
Simply
restating what someone else has said in a different way will not earn
you any points. Sure, you may use the same approach as another
classmate, but your stance and analysis must differ.
Also, responding
to others’ posts by simply telling them what a great job they did in
their initial post will also earn no points.
Respond to others’
posts by challenging or furthering their critical approach, not just
that it’s interesting or done well. Continue to extend their lens
further or question their interpretation and then offer an alternative:)

Here is a student example:
For this assignment, I will be using the Gender/Queer studies criticism lens.
By
definition of the Purdue Owl, Gender/Queer studies “explore issues of
sexuality, power, and marginalized populations in literature and
culture. Through this lens, we can explore the idea of this painting
through a gender-oriented ideal. In this piece of art specifically, I
can see the masculine and feminine power tones immediately.
Automatically,
I find that the girl with the broom and sweeping, is wearing much more
‘masculine’ colors. All reds, whites, dirty browns, and more. She also
is doing a masculine action, as in doing the work while the other
females at the table are sitting with teacups and tea. She clearly has
potential for dominance and power! Yet, the woman at the head of the
table dressed in black has taken a more masculine stance. Her head is
held high, with her back straight as she looms over the others. Her
sharply angled jaw and nose reflect male features in contrast to
rounded, small feminine facial features. Her gaze is focused on the
working girl, with a glare that screams with the idea of power —
something inherently seen as masculine. Even still, the two other woman
beside this rather authoritative figure are much more feminine. They
wear soft colors, with soft floral prints, calming colors, and parasols.
Through
this analysis, I do believe Cinderella has been placed in a more
masculine roll, but in a way to demonize her own feminine features. To
be stripped of her feminine charm, and to be placed into a roll where
masculinity is used to take away her dignity and beauty as a woman. So,
in this art, in my eyes masculinity has been demonized to make
Cinderella look much less appealing. But I could also argue that
Cinderella is blind to her own power. She is the only person of royal
blood in the image. The others are desperately using societal gender
roles to advance their position because it’s all they have.
Citation:
“Gender
Studies and Queer Theory (1970s-present).” The Purdue Owl, Purdue U
Writing Lab,
owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/literary_theory_and_schools_of_criticism/critical_race_theory.html.
Accessed 22 Apr. 2019.

Mario D.
an hour ago
Use the image in the files.

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