Theoretical Framework REVIEW OF LITERATURE
For Marxism, literature does not exist in some timeless, aesthetic realm as an object to be passively contemplated. Rather, like all cultural manifestations, it is a
product of the socioeconomic and hence ideological conditions of the time and place in which it was written, whether or not the author intended it so. The reason is under
the conviction that human beings are themselves of their socioeconomic and ideological environment Lois, 2006: 66.
At least there are two interests of Marxist critics. First, the literary work might tend to reinforce in the reader the ideologies it embodies. Second, it might invite the
reader to criticize the ideologies it represents Lois, 2006: 66. It is focusing on the social, political, and economic forces in society demonstrated in the literary text,
including the interactions of classes and ideology in a text. Marxist approach to literature generally asks if the literary work reinforces
whether intentionally or not capitalist, imperialist or classist value. After answering the question, the critic’s job is exposing and condemning that aspect of the work. In
addition, Marxist literary approach seeks to answer if the work can be seen as a critique or capitalism, imperialism or classism and in what ways the text reveals and
invites the reader to condemn the oppressive socioeconomic forces including repressive ideologies. A literary work can be said as to have a Marxist agenda if it
criticizes or invites the reader to criticize oppressive socioeconomic forces Lois, 2006:68.
The goal of using Marxist theory in literary criticism, Lois argued, is to help enrich our reading of literary works. Moreover, it helps us to see the ways in which
ideology blinds us to our own participation in oppressive sociopolitical agendas 2006:68. Besides concerning with identical issues, including how a literary text
reveals truth and values on oppression and class conflicts, Marxist approach also promotes socialism Bressler: 1999.