Feminist Literary Criticism
By : Yuhastina, Ph.D (yuhastina@gmail.com)
Aspect Description
Gender is a primary social construct that shapes
Basic Assumption
human experience and is reflected in literature.
Key ideas explored within feminist criticism, such
Concepts
as patriarchy, sexism, and the female gaze.
Draws on various feminist theories, such as
Theory psychoanalytic feminism, Marxist feminism, and
intersectional feminism, to analyze texts.
Archetypal Criticism: Examines recurring female
characters and symbols across literature.
Method
Historical Context: Analyzes the social and
political context in which the text was written.
Deconstruction: Analyzing how language
reinforces gender binaries and stereotypes.
Close Reading: Analyzes specific language choices,
imagery, and symbolism related to gender.
Identifies and critiques sexist stereotypes, power
Critical Analysis imbalances, and the marginalization of women in
literature.
Explores the impact of the text's gender
Reflective Analysis
representation on the reader and society at large.
Re-reads and re-interprets texts from a feminist
Interpretive Analysis perspective, uncovering hidden meanings and
challenging traditional interpretations.
Example
Gender roles, expectations, and power dynamics significantly
influence characters' motivations, actions, and limitations within
a text.
Patriarchy: A social system where men hold primary power.
Sexism:Prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender.
Female Gaze: A theoretical concept that challenges the
traditional male gaze in film and literature, where women are
viewed as objects of desire.
Psychoanalytic Feminism:
Analyzes how unconscious desires and power dynamics
influence gender representation. (e.g. Freudian interpretations)
Marxist Feminism: Examines how economic structures and
class oppression contribute to gender inequality in literature.
Intersectional Feminism (Kimberly Crenshaw):Analyzes
how various forms of oppression, including race, class, and
gender, intersect and impact female characters.
Performativity (Judith Buttler):
The critic interprets how these archetypes and symbols function
within a specific text. This involves:
● Character Development: How does an archetype
influence a character's motivations and actions? Does she
embody the archetype fully, or subvert it?
● Thematic Significance: How do these archetypes and
symbols contribute to the overall themes of the work (e.g.,
coming-of-age, societal expectations, female empowerment)?
● Cultural Context: How do these archetypes resonate
with cultural understandings of femininity?
● Historical Context: Interpretes how do the history
resonate with contextual understandings of femininity?
Examining the use of descriptive language for male and female
characters in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" can reveal
potential gender bias.
Close reading might identify a character constantly described
using domestic objects, reinforcing traditional gender roles.
Examining how female characters are described, the power
dynamics between male and female characters, and the
underlying messages about gender roles within the story.
Highlighting how a text reinforces traditional gender roles by
portraying women as solely domestic or dependent on men.
Examining how the portrayal of women in a text might
influence how readers perceive gender roles in real life.
Re-evaluating a classic novel where a female character's
"submissiveness" can be reinterpreted as a form of quiet
resistance against societal expectations.
 Theory Concepts Explanation Method References
Focuses on achieving equal rights and
* "A Vindication of
Liberal Feminism opportunities for women within the Examines legal and social
Equality, the Rights of Woman"
(19th & early 20th existing social structure. Analyzes how limitations placed on
Individualism by Mary
centuries) literature reflects and reinforces gender female characters.
Wollstonecraft (1792)
inequality.
Explores the influence of Freudian Reads texts through a
psychoanalysis on female identity psychoanalytic lens,
Psychoanalytic Patriarchy, * "The Second Sex" by
formation within patriarchal structures. examining female
Feminism (mid-20th Psychosexual Simone de Beauvoir
Analyzes how female characters are characters' relationships
century) Development (1949)
shaped by societal expectations and with mothers, fathers, and
unconscious desires. sexuality.
Reads texts through a
Analyzes the intersection of gender and
Marxist lens, examining the
class oppression within a capitalist * "Women and
Marxist Feminism Class, Social power dynamics between
system. Examines how literature Revolution" by Juliet
(mid-20th century) Reproduction genders in relation to
portrays women's economic dependence Mitchell (1966)
economic production and
and labor within the home.
social class.
Highlights the power
Views patriarchy as the fundamental
structures and violence * "The Dialectic of
Radical Feminism Patriarchy as the Root source of all oppression. Analyzes how
inherent in patriarchal Sex" by Shulamith
(mid-20th century) of Oppression literature reinforces male dominance
societies as presented in Firestone (1970)
and female subjugation.
literature.
Analyzes the experiences of women of
color, acknowledging the Reads texts through a lens
Black Feminism interconnectedness of race, class, and that considers the impact of * "In Search of Our
Intersectionality, Race
(mid-20th century gender oppression. Examines how race and ethnicity on Mothers' Gardens" by
& Gender
onwards) literature portrays and marginalizes female characters' Alice Walker (1984)
women outside of the white, middle- experiences.
class experience.
Examines the impact of colonialism on
Reads texts through a
women's experiences, particularly in
Postcolonial postcolonial lens,
Colonialism & former colonies. Analyzes how * "Gender Trouble" by
Feminism (late 20th examining how colonialism
Gender literature reflects the power dynamics Judith Butler (1990)
century onwards) shaped gender roles and
between colonizer and colonized, often
identities.
with a focus on female characters.

References:

Eagleton, T. (2008). Literary theory: An introduction (2nd ed.). Blackwell Publishing.

Gilbert, S., & Gubar, S. (2010).The madwoman in the attic: The woman writer and the nineteenth-century literary imagination (2nd ed.). Yale
University Press.
Leduc, T. (1986). Dispossessed women: Gender and eviction in sixteenth-century London. Routledge.
Showalter, E. (1985). A literature of their own: British women novelists from Brontë to Lessing. Princeton University Press.
Hooks, b. (2000). Feminism is for everybody: Strategic intervention against sexism. Routledge.
McClintock, A. (1995). Imperial leather: Race, gender, and sexuality in the colonial context. Routledge.

Prepared by: Yuhastina Ph.D for a workshop on Marxism Theory in Literary Criticism Text:
Imagine (John Lennon)
Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky Imagine all the people Livin' for today
Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too
Imagine all the people Livin' life in peace
You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people Sharing all the world You
You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one
Yuhastina Coding based on Marxist Analysis of "Imagine" by The Beatles
Concept
Anotated Description
Textual Evidence
Marxist Analysis
References
Religion (Opium of the People)
The song doesn't directly mention religion, but the focus on creating a better world in this life challenges the
"Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try No hell below us
Above us only sky”(suggests a focus on earthly
The lyrics could be seen as a challenge to the idea of religion offering solace in the afterlife and a justification for
suffering in the present.
1

idea of needing solace from religion. Marx criticise the practice of religion is often become “opium of the
people” as they do not learn the history of the emergence of religion.
solutions)
“And no religion too”
Class Representation
The song avoids explicit class language, but presents a world without the hierarchies associated with capitalism.
Marx criticise capitalism as in instrument of domination based on the material or capital possession. Country
ruled by capitalist tend to follow the logic of capitalism for domination.
“Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky”
"Imagine no countries"(suggests a dismantling of economic and social structures)
The song critiques a system that creates classes and proposes a more egalitarian society.
2
Gender (Bourgeoisie & Proletariat)
Marx do not discuss about gender in his entire work, but Marxism in 1970s has influenced the development of
feminism. Gender roles are not a
"A brotherhood of man" (potentially excludes women, but "brotherhood" could be interpreted inclusively)
"Imagine all the people sharing all the world"
The focus on "brotherhood" might reinforce traditional gender roles, but the dismantling of social structures could
also lead to gender equality.
3

central theme, but the focus on shared resources and brotherhood suggests a potential dismantling of traditional
gendered power structures.
Brotherhood = People
Representation of Possession
The song critiques the idea of possessions as a source of division and conflict.
"Imagine no possessions"/"No need for greed or hunger"
Material possessions are seen as a source of alienation and exploitation, replaced by a system of shared resources.
3, 7
Ideology
The song promotes an ideology of peace, unity, and shared resources, challenging the capitalist focus on
individualism and competition.
"Imagine all the people living for today" / "Imagine all the people living life in peace"
The song presents a socialist utopia free from capitalist competition and focused on collective well-being.
4
Alienation
The lyrics hint at the alienation people experience under capitalism, where labor is separated from ownership and
workers have little control over their work.
"Imagine all the people" (implies a sense of disconnection and longing for a more connected world)
The song suggests a world where people are reconnected through shared experiences and goals.
5
Exploitation
The song indirectly critiques the exploitation inherent in
"No need for greed or hunger" (suggests a world where basic needs are met)
The lyrics propose a system where resources are distributed fairly and exploitation is eliminated.
1,2,7

capitalism as what Marx Argued, where workers are paid less than the value they create.
Class Conflict
The song doesn't explicitly depict class conflict, but the dismantling of countries and focus on shared resources
suggests a potential resolution. John Lennon brought the conflict into war as struggle for domination represented
in country (This song is coincident with US Vs. Soviet in Vietnam as Southeast Asian Proxy war)
"Imagine no countries"/ "Imagin e all the people sharing all the world"
The song envisions a world without the social and economic inequalities that lead to class conflict.
9, 10
References for Coding:
1. Marx, K. (1844). Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844(Estranged Labor). Marxists Internet Archive:
2. Erik Olin Wright, Classes (2019). Verso.
3. Engels, F. (1884). The Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State. Penguin Classics. 4. Eagleton, T.
(1991). Ideology: An Introduction. Verso.
5. Fernbach, D. (2016). The Knowledge Illusion. Profile Books.
6. Fromm, E. (1961). Marx's Concept of Man. Frederick Ungar Publishing Co.
7. Harvey, D. (2010). The Enigma of Capital. Oxford University Press.
8. Callinicos, A. (2009). Introducing Marxism. Polity Press.

9. Robinson, W. I. (2014). The Globalisation of Capital. Haymarket Books. 10. Restivo, P. (2005). Conflicts in
Class and Culture. Routledge.
Overal Analysis:
John Lennon's "Imagine" can be interpreted through a Marxist lens, highlighting themes that
resonate with Marxist ideology.
Example of Analysis based on the Matrix Coding above:
Introduction
Reimagining Utopia: John Lennon's "Imagine" and Utopian Marxism
By: Yuhastina Ph.D
The 1971 ballad "Imagine" by John Lennon goes beyond its appealing melody and uncomplicated words to
provide a compelling social critique. The song portrays an idealized world devoid of conflict, economic hardship,
and societal divides, striking a chord with many who long for a fairer and more harmonious way of life. This
vision is consistent with the fundamental principles of utopian Marxism, an ideology that examines the disparities
of capitalism and imagines a future socialist utopia marked by equality and worldwide harmony.
Literary experts have analyzed the complex and diverse themes found in "Imagine." In his work published in
1970, Marcus places the song in the framework of the social and cultural upheavals of the 1960s, emphasizing its
association with the groups advocating for racial equality and peace. This analysis can be found on page 23 of his
publication. Miles (1997) analyzes Lennon's inner evolution and increasing disenchantment with celebrities,
proposing that these encounters influenced the contemplative lyrics of the song (p. 12).
Nevertheless, there is a significant deficiency in academic research concerning the correlation between the song
and utopian Marxism. Although scholars have briefly discussed the utopian meaning of the song (Solstice, 1995),
there is a lack of in-depth study that examines the precise ways in which "Imagine" incorporates utopian Marxist
concepts. This literary analysis seeks to close this divide by exploring how John Lennon harnesses the influence
of music to express a utopian Marxist ideology.
This analysis will examine how the song "Imagine" critiques the social order and presents a hopeful vision for a
fairer future by considering its lyrics, melody, and the historical background of the Cold War and social upheaval.
By conducting a meticulous analysis of "Imagine" and its correlation This essay aims to enhance our
comprehension of the song's enduring message and its

significance in the wider context of social and political criticism in music, via the lens of utopian Marxist
philosophy.
Matrix 1: The Full Lyrics of “Imagine (By John Lenon, 1971)
I
II
III
Imagine there's no heaven It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us, only sky Imagine all the people Livin' for today
Imagine there's no countries It isn't hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for And no religion, too
Imagine all the people Livin' life in peace
You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us And the world will be as one
Imagine no possessions
I wonder if you can
No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man
Imagine all the people Sharing all the world You
You may say I'm a dreamer But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us And the world will live as one
Literature Review
The examination will draw on the works of key Utopian Marxist scholars, such as Avineri (1962), who examines
Marx's conception of a society without social classes and communism, and Engels (1848), who highlights the
need for worker unity in attaining this ideal state. The investigation will also take into account criticisms of
utopian Marxism, such as those presented by Evans (1980), who emphasizes the theory's possible constraints in
terms of achieving gender equality. Evans contends that the theory frequently fails to consider the particular
challenges faced by women in a capitalist economy (p. 108).
Avineri (1962) has examined the concepts of utopian Marxism and visions of utopia in his analysis of Marx's
social and political ideology. This study establishes the fundamental principles of utopian Marxism, specifically
focusing on the concept of a society without social classes and based on communism. This article also addresses
Engels' (1848) influential work, The Communist Manifesto, which highlights the significance of worker unity in
attaining this idealistic future. "Imagine" depicts John Lennon's vision of a utopian future, taking into account the
sociopolitical circumstances of the 1960s and 1970s.
In his analysis of the song "Imagine," Marcus (1970) examines its sociopolitical setting and explores its
association with the social and cultural upheavals of the 1960s. He emphasizes its alignment with groups
advocating for social justice, racial equality, and peace (p. 23). In addition,

Miles (1997) analyzes Lennon's individual encounters and increasing disillusionment with fame, proposing their
impact on the introspective lyrics of the song (p. 12).
Solstice (1995) explores the broader context of the song, specifically its idealistic message and its connection to
the post-war disillusionment with the Cold War (p. 169). Although historians have recognized the song's idealistic
meaning (Solstice, 1995), there is a lack of in-depth examination of its association with utopian Marxism.
This study seeks to fill this gap by examining the particular ways in which "Imagine" exemplifies utopian Marxist
concepts. This literary analysis will employ the previously mentioned scholarly work to examine "Imagine" from
a utopian Marxist perspective. Through a careful analysis of the song's lyrics, melody, and historical context, we
can gain insight into how Lennon uses music to express his vision of a fair and equal world, in line with the
fundamental principles of utopian Marxism.
Historical Context of John Lennon's "Imagine"
The debut of John Lennon's "Imagine" in 1971 aligned with a time of significant societal, political, and cultural
turmoil that influenced the song's meaning (Lenon, 2018). John experienced disappointment due to a society that
was still in the process of recovering from the cruelty of World War II. This state is commonly referred to by
sociologists as post-war disillusionment (Solstice, 1995). The first line, "Imagine there's no heaven," reflects a
sense of disillusionment, since it can be understood as a rejection of religious beliefs that offer the promise of a
paradise after death (Ehrlich, 2007).
The song also originated during the Cold War, a period of heightened global political tension characterized by the
looming possibility of nuclear destruction between the United States and the Soviet Union (Schwartz, 1997). The
Vietnam War, a conflict indirectly supported by the competition for power between major nations (Foner, 2015),
intensified concerns regarding warfare and territorial boundaries.
The desire for a society devoid of these differences is expressed in the words, "Imagine a world without national
boundaries." The social and cultural upheavals that took place in the 1960s are important to consider when
examining the song "Imagine" (Marcus, 1970). John observed the activities of the Civil Rights Movement, which
advocated for racial equality; the Feminist Movement, which challenged gender standards; and the Anti-War
Movement, which protested against the Vietnam War.

The song's plea for "brotherhood" corresponds with the principles of unity and equality upheld by these groups.
Moreover, Lennon was affected by the counterculture movement's repudiation of conventional values and
adoption of individualism, peace, and love (Carlin, 2004). "Imagine" encapsulates these principles, promoting an
idealistic society founded on empathy and comprehension.
Lennon himself was experiencing a profound metamorphosis during this time. Feeling disappointed with The
Beatles' popularity and becoming more interested in promoting peace, he interpreted the song's introspective
lyrics as a representation of his personal quest for significance. "Imagine" emerged as a rallying cry for a
generation longing for harmony and solidarity, a sentiment that remains relevant in today's world, which is still
struggling with strife and fragmentation.
By comprehending the historical backdrop of "Imagine," we may better grasp its lasting significance as a
reflection of its era, encapsulating the concerns and hopes of a generation longing for a more harmonious and
equitable global society.
“Imagine”: Promoting Utopian Vision
"Imagine" by John Lennon illustrates a utopian vision that questions fundamental principles of Marxism,
specifically the concepts of class struggle, exploitation, and religion as the "opium of the masses" (Marx &
Engels, 1848). Marxism places significant importance on the conflict that arises between the proletariat, or
working class, and the bourgeoisie, or ruling class, due to their differing social and economic positions.
This conflict is driven by the fundamental differences in their class identities and interests. This concept was first
introduced by Marx and Engels in 1848. The song's plea for a world devoid of material belongings and devoid of
the desire for excessive wealth and hunger reflects a criticism of capitalism, a system in which the distribution of
money is unequal (Piketty, 2014). Marx argues that the possession of private property is a fundamental factor that
leads to inequality (Marx & Engels, 1844).
The phrase "Imagine there's no heaven" can be interpreted as a critique of religious grounds for social inequality,
which could lead to a more equal society. According to Marx and Engels (1844), religion was considered a means
for the ruling class to exert power. The song offers a critical analysis of how religion can serve as a form of solace
that diverts attention from tackling tangible issues. It also advocates for a vision of collective resources and
worldwide harmony that surpasses social and geographical boundaries, as proposed by Marx and Engels in 1848.

Marx conceptualized a global society devoid of national boundaries, where workers unite, transcending frontiers,
under the notion of proletarian internationalism (Avineri, 1962). "Imagine all the people living for today" implies
a global society that prioritizes collective humanity and collaboration beyond the boundaries of nations (Marx &
Engels, 1848).
The song advocates for a society devoid of the divisions created by material goods, reflecting Marx's repudiation
of private property as the root cause of inequality (Marx & Engels, 1844). Furthermore, it offers a critical analysis
of the social systems and nations that arise from such disparity, proposing a future that is characterized by
equality and tranquility (Marx & Engels, 1848).
Marxism sought to establish a utopia, which is a flawless and ideal society (Avineri, 1962). The song's
overarching theme conveys a sense of optimism for a more ideal world, in line with the Marxist concept of a
society without social classes and based on communism (Avineri, 1962). Nevertheless, the emphasis on
"brotherhood" and the absence of emphasis on gender equality give rise to inquiries regarding potential
constraints in its vision (Marx & Engels, 1848). This emphasis may inadvertently strengthen established
patriarchal systems, a criticism frequently directed at conventional Marxist theory (Evans, 1980).
Individualism in “Imagine”
It is crucial to take into account the constraints of Lennon's utopian vision in "Imagine" because of its lack of
precise details (Lennon, 2018). The song does not explicitly explain the methods for attaining this ideal society,
thereby prompting listeners to contemplate the way forward. On the other hand, Marxism has a distinct plan for
achieving change through revolution and a reorganization of society (Avineri, 1962).
The juxtaposition emphasizes the conflict between individualism and collectivism in the song, mirroring the
fundamental principles of liberalism (Heywood, 2012). Liberalism places a strong emphasis on the protection of
individual rights and freedoms, whereas Marxism places greater importance on communal efforts aimed at
achieving social transformation.
While certain individuals perceive the phrase "no heaven" as a criticism of societal systems that are upheld by
religious beliefs, it can also be understood as an urging for personal accountability in the pursuit of constructing a
more improved world. This is consistent with the focus on personal autonomy within the ideology of liberalism
(Heywood, 2012).
Conclusion
John Lennon's "Imagine" goes beyond being just a popular song, serving as a potent creative evaluation of the
existing state of affairs and an optimistic envisioning of an ideal future. The song's lyrics reflect the fundamental
concepts of utopian Marxism, expressing a desire for a future without social divisions, economic inequality, and
national boundaries. It offers a critical analysis of the fundamental societal systems that maintain and promote
inequality, in line with Marxist principles of a society without social classes and with equal opportunities for all.
However, "Imagine" diverges from conventional Marxist ideology by placing greater emphasis on the visionary
ideals rather than the pragmatic aspects of their realization. Unlike Marx and Engels' meticulously planned
revolution, the song uses the power of imagination to present a utopian vision, encouraging self-reflection over a
detailed plan for societal upheaval. This ambiguity strikes a chord with a modern audience that is disenchanted
with inflexible ideals and longs for a more subtle approach to achieving a fair world.
Despite the song's lack of specific actions, its enduring impact comes from its ability to spark collective
imagination. "Imagine" inspires its listeners to envision a future that transcends existing limitations, where the
notion of a "brotherhood of man" transcends national boundaries and collective prosperity replaces the desire for
wealth. Amidst a growing divide in society and politics, the song's theme of solidarity and worldwide
concordance remains remarkably pertinent. "Imagine" is a strong reminder that even without a specific plan, the
influence of shared aspirations may create a path towards a fairer and more peaceful future.
References
Avineri, S. (1962). The social and political thought of Karl Marx. Cambridge University Press. (duplicate)
Avineri, S. (1962). The social and political thought of Karl Marx. Cambridge University Press.
Carlin, J. (2004). Breakthrough: Conversations with American achievers. Little, Brown and Company.
Ehrlich, H. J. (2007). Imagining heaven and hell. In The encyclopedia of philosophy (Vol. 4, pp. 532-535).
Routledge.
Evans, M. (1980). Consideration of women's position in socialist theory. In A. Kuhn & A. M. Jaggar (Eds.),
Feminism: A critical reader (pp. 104-120). Oxford University Press.
Foner, E. (2015). Give me liberty! An American history (Vol. 2). W. W. Norton & Company. Heywood, A.
(2012). Political ideologies: An introduction. Palgrave Macmillan.
Lennon, Y. (2000). John Lennon in his own words. In The Beatles anthology (pp. 304-310). Chronicle Books.
Lennon, Y. (2018). Imagine: John Lennon. [Song on Album Imagine] Universal Music Group. Marcus, G. (1970).
Rock and roll is here to stay: An anthology. Penguin Books.

Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1844). Economic and philosophic manuscripts of 1844 (M. Milligan, Ed.). Prometheus
Books.
Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto. [Multiple online sources] Miles, B. (1997). Many
years from now. Vintage Books.
Piketty, T. (2014). Capital in the twenty-first century (A. M. Goldhammer, Trans.). Harvard University Press.
Schwartz, S. M. (1997). Atomic audit: The costs and consequences of U.S. nuclear weapons since 1940.
Brookings Institution Press.
Solstice, M. (1995). Post-war disillusionment and the atomic bomb. Peace & Change, 20(2), 167- 185.