Marxist Criticism

Do you look at literature as reality influencing literature or as literature influencing reality? These two views have been a constant battle in my head for the last week. But then I question, how can we write about anything without a reality or some influence? Without a reality to stur up thoughts or views there is nothing to write. So I guess that I am saying is that I believe that reality is the influence of literature.
A Marxist view is "the nature of literature is influenced by the social and political circumstances in which it is produced" (Barry, pg 166). Our surroundings whether they are social class, or political views influence what we think and then ultimately what we write about.
When I was reading this chapter I was constantly thinking of literary works from the 1800's up to now. Their surroundings, class, and views were most definitely not the same as they now, but they were relative to that time and what they were experiencing. Today we are more educated and have learned from past experience which will change how literature is written and read.
When I was reading about Leninist Marxist criticism I thought it was strange how in the 1920's the attitude towards art was enlightening and experimental and encouraged, then in the 1930's they basically outlawed liberal views. It all seems extremely hypocritical and as if they want to resort back to earlier years when no one could think "outside the box". I guess was all done so everyone was 'equal'.
I believe thinking on your own and forming individual ideas allows people to grow, learn, and able to make your own decisions. Marx had the right idea and literature today influences our current surroundings.

Hello all! Well this is the first time I have had or written a blog so it may take a couple tries to get use to.
Here at Emmanuel I am a senior and studying English Communications. I have taken many of the english courses that are available here. So far I feel that this class will challenge what I have previously learned, and take what I know about theory to another level. My hopes for this blog is to use my classmates view along with my own to really understand and broaden my knowledge about what "theory" really is.