Each week as we delve into the competing and contradictory theories of literary criticism, it has become apparent that a general consensus may exist among a given group of critics, but there are many "takes" on that consensus. Marxist Criticism is no exception as Williams, Jameson, Barry, and Althusser vie for dominance. Each presents his case as to what effect Marxist theory had on society and historical interpretation. Althusser, like Derrida, was difficult to follow but writes that "ideology do not have an ideal or spiritual existence, but a material existence" (1265). Ideology is a word that, for me, equates with Marxism. While Jameson argues "If everything were transparent, then no ideology would be possible, and no domination either" (184). Williams clarifies his interpretation by stating "Ideology, in its normal senses, is a relatively formal and articulated system of meanings, values, and beliefs, of a kind that can be abstractd as a 'world-view' or 'class outlook'" (1277). Barry's refreshing, clear style lays out for us a broad overview of Marxist Criticism and states that "Ideology is a key term" (157) for all Marxists.
For me personally, Marxist ideology was equated with Communism. Growing up in the 50's and 60's, the noble class struggles that propelled the socialist movements fostered by the writings of Marx and Engles, had evolved into the anxiety of the Cold War. U.S.S.R. ideology impacted my world. Civil defense pamphlets complete with instructions on how to build and stock a fall-out shelter, missle silos in North Dakota, nuclear annihilation, and the school-yard chant "Better dead than Red" were the reality of a foreign ideology.
Williams in-depth discussion of hegemony as it relates to Marxism "of rule or domination to realtions between social classes, and especially to definitions of a ruling class" (1276) made me think again of my youth. While class struggle became synonymous with Communism, the relations between social classes in this steel town was obvious. Barry states that "Marxist literary criticism maintains that a writer's social class, and its prevailing 'ideology' ... have a major bearing on what is written by a member of that class" (152). As a child of a first generation Italian steel worker who went on strike with frightening regularity, I would have to agree.
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For me, Marxism made a lot of sense since everything is a direct response to the political and economic atmosphere. Maybe it has become less relatable since the Cold War came to an end and America is not preparing itself for a nuclear attack from the Russians. Then again, I find it interesting that whenever our President makes suggestions for change that the conservatives in our country immediately scream "Socialism" and "Communism" in a way that is frighteningly reminiscent of the Cold War era.
ReplyDeleteI was actually surprised that the term "ideology" originated with Marxism. I was familiar with the term and even used it long before I had any idea where it came from. Which is just as well, I admittedly find a lot of Marxist literary theory agreeable. The statement that a writer's socio-economic condition impacts their work seems painfully obvious but it is something that may be left on the side of the road when literature is actually talked about. I understand the lingering negative association though, my parents where apart of the generation that had bomb drills as well as fire drills. That too, and we have yet to see in the world a Marxist based political system that has worked really well.
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