Subjects
Maths
Chemistry
Biology
English Language
History
Responding to change (a2 only)
Infection and response
Homeostasis and response
Energy transfers (a2 only)
Cell biology
Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
Biological molecules
Organisation
Substance exchange
Bioenergetics
Genetic information & variation
Inheritance, variation and evolution
Genetics & ecosystems (a2 only)
Ecology
Cells
Show all topics
Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
Show all topics
4
0
maria
12/12/2025
English Literature
Literary and Critical Theory
220
•
12 Dec 2025
•
maria
@maria_reji
Literary and Critical Theory offers powerful frameworks for analysing texts... Show more
Marxism examines literature through the lens of economic structures and class struggle. Developed by Karl Marx, this theory views history as an ongoing conflict between the bourgeoisie (wealthy class) and the lower classes.
Marxist critics believe the economic structure drives social conditions and shapes literature itself. They see literary works as social institutions that carry specific ideological functions based on the author's background and beliefs.
The ultimate aim of Marxism extends beyond literary analysis to envision a society that abolishes class distinctions in favour of common ownership.
Remember this: When applying Marxist criticism, look for how texts reveal class tensions, economic power structures, or how characters are influenced by their socioeconomic position.
Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, approaches literature as an expression of the author's unconscious desires and psychological processes. This fascinating theory suggests literary works are manifestations of the writer's own neuroses.
Psychoanalytic critics examine how childhood experiences shape both characters' behaviours and potentially the author's creative choices. The theory provides a framework for understanding the hidden psychological motivations within texts.
One of the most famous (and controversial) psychoanalytic concepts is the Oedipus Complex – describing a desire for involvement with the parent of the opposite sex and rivalry with the parent of the same sex.
Try this: When reading a text, look for characters' dreams, slips of speech, or unusual behaviours that might reveal their unconscious desires – this is psychoanalysis in action!
Postcolonialism emerged as scholars from formerly colonised nations began examining the lasting impacts of colonial rule. Founded by Edward Said, this theory focuses on literature from previously colonised countries and their complex relationships with former colonial powers.
Postcolonial critics investigate what happens when two cultures clash and one asserts dominance over the other. They examine how literature reflects or challenges colonial attitudes, exploring themes of identity, power, and cultural hybridity.
The ultimate goal of postcolonial theory extends beyond literary analysis to promote better understanding and more equitable relationships between different cultures and peoples.
Key insight: When reading texts with colonial contexts, notice who has power, whose perspective is centred, and how characters from different cultures are portrayed.
Feminist literary criticism has ancient roots but gained significant momentum during first-wave feminism. This approach examines how literary works have historically reflected and reinforced patriarchal interests and attitudes.
Feminist critics analyse the roles of women within texts and how these fictional representations express broader social norms about women's place in society. In the 1980s, the focus shifted from challenging sexist representations to rediscovering forgotten works by female authors.
The driving purpose behind feminist literary criticism extends beyond academic analysis – it aims to use literature as a tool for inspiring social and political change toward gender equality.
Consider this: When reading any text, ask yourself how female characters are portrayed compared to male characters. Do they have agency? Are they defined by their relationships to men? This simple approach can reveal powerful insights.
Postmodernism, first used philosophically by Jean-François Lyotard, isn't a single movement but a collection of perspectives that challenge traditional assumptions about knowledge and reality. This approach examines how literary canons are shaped by underlying ideological and social currents.
Postmodernist critics typically reject universalist ideas of objective reality and morality. Instead, they emphasise the diversity of human experiences and perspectives, questioning the very foundations of what we consider "truth."
At its core, postmodernism rejects rigid, structured worldviews in favour of acknowledging multiple interpretations and the complexity of human experience. It celebrates ambiguity and challenges established hierarchies.
Mind-bender: Postmodernism suggests there's no single "correct" reading of a text – your interpretation is valid and shaped by your own experiences and context. How does this change how you approach literature?
Deconstructionism, developed by Jacques Derrida, takes a radical approach to textual analysis by questioning fundamental conceptual distinctions. Unlike structuralist approaches, deconstructionists reject the idea that literary works have a central, fixed meaning.
Deconstructive critics examine how different concepts interact within texts, looking for contradictions and instabilities that reveal deeper complexities. They pay particular attention to binary oppositions and analyse how these supposed opposites often break down upon closer examination.
This approach invites readers to question seemingly stable meanings and explore the tensions that exist within any text, revealing how language itself is unstable and meaning is never fully fixed.
Challenge yourself: Next time you read a text with clear opposites , look for moments where these categories blur or contradict themselves – you're doing deconstructionist analysis!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
maria
@maria_reji
Literary and Critical Theory offers powerful frameworks for analysing texts beyond their surface meaning. These theoretical approaches reveal how literature connects to social structures, psychological aspects, and power dynamics, giving you essential tools for advanced literary analysis in your English... Show more
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Marxism examines literature through the lens of economic structures and class struggle. Developed by Karl Marx, this theory views history as an ongoing conflict between the bourgeoisie (wealthy class) and the lower classes.
Marxist critics believe the economic structure drives social conditions and shapes literature itself. They see literary works as social institutions that carry specific ideological functions based on the author's background and beliefs.
The ultimate aim of Marxism extends beyond literary analysis to envision a society that abolishes class distinctions in favour of common ownership.
Remember this: When applying Marxist criticism, look for how texts reveal class tensions, economic power structures, or how characters are influenced by their socioeconomic position.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Psychoanalysis, founded by Sigmund Freud, approaches literature as an expression of the author's unconscious desires and psychological processes. This fascinating theory suggests literary works are manifestations of the writer's own neuroses.
Psychoanalytic critics examine how childhood experiences shape both characters' behaviours and potentially the author's creative choices. The theory provides a framework for understanding the hidden psychological motivations within texts.
One of the most famous (and controversial) psychoanalytic concepts is the Oedipus Complex – describing a desire for involvement with the parent of the opposite sex and rivalry with the parent of the same sex.
Try this: When reading a text, look for characters' dreams, slips of speech, or unusual behaviours that might reveal their unconscious desires – this is psychoanalysis in action!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Postcolonialism emerged as scholars from formerly colonised nations began examining the lasting impacts of colonial rule. Founded by Edward Said, this theory focuses on literature from previously colonised countries and their complex relationships with former colonial powers.
Postcolonial critics investigate what happens when two cultures clash and one asserts dominance over the other. They examine how literature reflects or challenges colonial attitudes, exploring themes of identity, power, and cultural hybridity.
The ultimate goal of postcolonial theory extends beyond literary analysis to promote better understanding and more equitable relationships between different cultures and peoples.
Key insight: When reading texts with colonial contexts, notice who has power, whose perspective is centred, and how characters from different cultures are portrayed.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Feminist literary criticism has ancient roots but gained significant momentum during first-wave feminism. This approach examines how literary works have historically reflected and reinforced patriarchal interests and attitudes.
Feminist critics analyse the roles of women within texts and how these fictional representations express broader social norms about women's place in society. In the 1980s, the focus shifted from challenging sexist representations to rediscovering forgotten works by female authors.
The driving purpose behind feminist literary criticism extends beyond academic analysis – it aims to use literature as a tool for inspiring social and political change toward gender equality.
Consider this: When reading any text, ask yourself how female characters are portrayed compared to male characters. Do they have agency? Are they defined by their relationships to men? This simple approach can reveal powerful insights.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Postmodernism, first used philosophically by Jean-François Lyotard, isn't a single movement but a collection of perspectives that challenge traditional assumptions about knowledge and reality. This approach examines how literary canons are shaped by underlying ideological and social currents.
Postmodernist critics typically reject universalist ideas of objective reality and morality. Instead, they emphasise the diversity of human experiences and perspectives, questioning the very foundations of what we consider "truth."
At its core, postmodernism rejects rigid, structured worldviews in favour of acknowledging multiple interpretations and the complexity of human experience. It celebrates ambiguity and challenges established hierarchies.
Mind-bender: Postmodernism suggests there's no single "correct" reading of a text – your interpretation is valid and shaped by your own experiences and context. How does this change how you approach literature?
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Deconstructionism, developed by Jacques Derrida, takes a radical approach to textual analysis by questioning fundamental conceptual distinctions. Unlike structuralist approaches, deconstructionists reject the idea that literary works have a central, fixed meaning.
Deconstructive critics examine how different concepts interact within texts, looking for contradictions and instabilities that reveal deeper complexities. They pay particular attention to binary oppositions and analyse how these supposed opposites often break down upon closer examination.
This approach invites readers to question seemingly stable meanings and explore the tensions that exist within any text, revealing how language itself is unstable and meaning is never fully fixed.
Challenge yourself: Next time you read a text with clear opposites , look for moments where these categories blur or contradict themselves – you're doing deconstructionist analysis!
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
4
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Quotes from every main character
English LiteratureQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology