Question

Choose an event, current or historical, and explain how it is usually viewed. Next, using the Marxist or feminist critical literary theory, explain how the event would be viewed. How does viewing the event through a different perspective affect your interpretation of it? Your response should be at least six sentences.

Answer 1

The Historical Event Is The Invasion Of The Spanish Armada Of 1588

The enormous sea fleet sent by King Philip II of Spain in 1588 to invade England. England tried to counter this fleet by fighting entirely with heavy guns, and the failure of Spain’s Armada saved England from possible absorption into the Spanish empire.

This event is usually viewed with an overwhelming focus on the battle itself,  showcasing the skills of the English fleet which was under the command of Charles Howard who battled the leadership of the experienced admiral Medina-Sidonia.

If we were to use the feminist critical literary theory the event would be viewed differently.

The Invasion Of The Spanish Armada Of 1588 happened during the Elizabethan Era, it was under her leadership that the Spanish Armada was defeated and she saved England from invasion, defending an invasion from the greatest European power of the age.

¨I know I have the body of a weak, feeble woman; but I have the heart and stomach of a king, and of a king of England too.¨

The feminist critical literary theory is a lense through which we can view a historical event. In literary criticism we may use reasoning, emotion and logic but it helps to try on different ¨lenses¨ to search for deeper meaning. Our view of the event may change if we are only concerned with the ways in which this event may reinforce or undermine the leadership of either the men or women involved or vice versa.