Marxist criticism, based largely on the writings of Karl Marx, typically aims at not only revealing and clarifying ideological issues but also correcting social injustices. Some Marxist critics use literature to describe the competing socioeconomic interests that too often advance capitalist interests such as money and power rather than socialist interests such as morality and justice. They argue that literature and literary criticism are essentially political because they either challenge or support economic oppression. Because of this strong emphasis on the political aspects of texts, Marxist criticism focuses more on the content and themes of literature than on its form. See also cultural criticism, historical criticism, sociological criticism.
Masculine rhyme See rhyme.
Melodrama A term applied to any literary work that relies on implausible events and sensational action for its effect. Usually, a melodramatic story ends happily, with the protagonist defeating the antagonist at the last possible moment. Thus, melodramas entertain the reader or audience with exciting action while still conforming to a traditional sense of justice. Metaphor A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things, without using the word like or as. Metaphors can be subtle and powerful, and can transform people, places, objects, and ideas into whatever the writer imagines them to be.