The domain of critical theory expresses a normative view of the world, meaning that it argues how things should be rather than “objectively” characterizing the way things are. It uses this “critical” stance as a tool to create a more just world. Literary analysis is one method critical theory uses to advance this goal of social justice. Critical theory holds that our understanding of the world is shaped by the language we use to describe it, with this language promoting different ideologies. By analyzing, critiquing, and advancing the language and ideologies of literary texts, new understandings will be reflected in the world.

This understanding of literary analysis can be found in many of the domains of critical theory covered in Critical Theory Today, particularly in the domains that address the concerns of historically marginalized populations: feminism, queer theory, and African American theory. For instance, feminist critical theory focuses on the way that patriarchal ideology is reflected throughout society, including in literature. French feminist theorists in particular use this understanding of the patriarchy in language and literature as the basis for creating a specifically “feminine” poetics. 

One example is Hélène Cixous’s écriture feminine, “a new, feminine language that undermines or eliminates the patriarchal modes of thinking and writing [that is] fluidly organized and freely associative” (84). Queer theory likewise focuses on how antigay ideologies have been perpetuated throughout society and in literature to marginalize diverse sexualities and gender identities. They seek to correct this injustice through the creation and identification of a queer body of literature that valorizes queer experiences. 

As in feminist theory, some argue for a specifically queer poetics that uses non-traditional modes of expression to escape the heteronormative ideology inherent to typical language use and literary structures. African American critical theorists pursue a similar project to correct injustices caused by racism. For instance, they address how African American literary works have historically been overlooked or marginalized in the canon and how depictions of African American people in canonical works by white authors are often offensive. Like the above-mentioned theories, some African American literary critical theorists also work to analyze and establish an African American poetics that reflects their particular cultural practices, use of language (such as AAVE), thematic concerns (particularly enslavement, its legacy, and freedom), and archetypal figures (like the trickster).

By analyzing how literary works promote or undermine ideologies, one can understand better how those ideologies function in the world. This knowledge enables people to better address issues like misogyny, antigay bigotry, and racism. In addition, critical literary analysis contributes to creating a more just world by providing tools to create and identify works that advance a vision of a more just and equitable world.