Ann’s Blog

As I have stated previously, I am a strong believer that literary theories such as Reader Response, Marxism, and Feminism should be taught in tandom in the secondary English classroom. However, since Marxism and Feminism are so closely related in many ways I think that each of these theories becomes stronger and more relevant when viewed in comparison to one another. As students begin to view a text through different literary lenses, I believe their responses will attest to the fact that secondary students are indeed capable of such critical interpretation. Much responsibility lies with us as teachers as we begin to introduce students to the various ways a text, as well as the world, can be interpreted. Although the ability to analyze texts through literary lenses helps students become more critical readers, I would argue that the real power of such literary lenses lies in real world applications. For example, when students analyze the Miss America pageant from a feminist perspective. I think strategies such as this with real world relevance help students to become critical thinkers not only when reading a text, but also when viewing and interpreting the world around them.