Marxism and Literary Criticism

Terry Eagleton's 'Marxism and Literary Criticism' is a short and accessible introduction to the principle theories of Marxist thought with regard to literary criticism; highlighting individual thinkers from Marx and Engels, to Lenin and Trotsky, thru to Walter Benjamin and Bertolt Brecht. Eagleton explores the various concepts of key Marxist critics including Marx himself, noting also the limited nature that all criticism faces, while setting out to prove that Marxist Criticism is more than merely a "sociology of Literature" and argues that Marxist criticism "...has its significant, if not central, role to play in the transformation of human societies." and with a subtle sense of irony admits -- necessarily including himself: "Critics are not just analysts of texts; they are also (usually) academics hired by the state to prepare students ideologically for their functions within capitalist society." 'Marxism and Literary Criticism' is an easy to read preparatory guide that provides a full bibliography for those wanting to explore the depths and varieties of a Marxist approach to literary criticism by reading the Marxist Critics themselves. Despite being thirty years old the book -- having first been published in 1976 -- still remains relevant in that it highlights the relevance of Marxist thought to our contemporary Twenty-First century. It could be asked, as Eagleton does, how is Marxism relevant other than as a historical point of view with the collapse of the Soviet Union, the increasing industrialization of China and the fall of the Berlin Wall? As Eagleton writes in the new 2002 Preface: "Marx and Engels envisaged a world in which globalized market forces reigned supreme, careless of the human damage they inflicted, and in which the gap between rich and poor had widened intolerably." Today this gap between the rich and the poor is still increasing and many in developing countries are forced to subsist on less than a dollar a day, while those at the helm of the capitalist globalization are filling their gold lined pockets with immeasurable and indecent profit. As long as the world remains in such a crisis, then Marx will be relevant; and as long as Marx is relevant, his thought on artistic and literary production remains contemporary. Though Marxism has ultimately failed in political practice throughout history; it has, Eagleton proclaims, as a theoretical tool for the study of literature, still much to offer. 'Marxism and Literary Criticism' is essential reading for those who require an initial introduction to this particular branch of criticism; a comprehensive overview of Marxist theory: thus a useful stepping stone towards the reading of Marxist literary criticism as a whole.

eagleton is probably the most accessible marxist critic writing today (although many people have a hard time getting over his connections with raymond williams and with his polemical style). this intro to the field is excellent for those who do not plan to read many of eagleton's later works or who just want to see what a nuanced perspective on marxist literary/cultural criticism looks like. his discussions of benjamin and brect show up a great deal in later books (esp walter benjamin or towards a revolutionary criticism) and are discussed in much finer detail. if you are looking for a true introduction to marxist literary theory, this is not the book for you (try the marxist literary theory anthology eagleton and drew milne edit instead) since it is more of an intro to eagleton's brand of criticism and theory.

marxism and literary criticism is a concise work of art - much like the art eagleton believes is a distinctive responsiblity for any author to create. he is successfuly able to colour marx as being compassionate towards the healty-expression of society through the means of expressive and creative literature rather than a cold, dry theorist. eagleton's focus is: literature and history, form and content, the commitment of the author, and the author as a producer. this is a good study for authors, sociologist, and other creative artists alike.