Questions on marxist and literary criticism

How did Marx and Engels view literature?
Marx and Engels both viewed literature as highly significant and Karl Marx viewed it highly in such a way that he wrote poetry and an unfinished novel, amongst many others- rife with literary concepts. He was a well-read, cultural individual.

What is the sociology of literature?
The sociology of literature is simply the means of how literature is produced, distributed and exchanged in a certain society; how books are published; the social status of the author and the audiences; the level of the literature; and the social determinants of 'taste'. It further concerns the examination of texts for their relevance to the analysis of society, in which themes that would be of an interest to a historian examining social class will be picked out.

What did Matisse believe about all art?
The painter Henry Matisse believed that all art contains an impression of the historical era in which it was made, but he further remarked that the greatest art is that which embraces it, contrary to what students of literature are taught- that great art is that which completely disregards its societal influences.

What is original about Marxist literary criticism?
It is original because of its revolutionary understanding of history.

Why is art part of the superstructure? 
Art is part of the superstructure because it is part of a society's ideology. To understand literature means understanding the total society of which it is a part; the beliefs and ideology of an author is affected by the society to which they belong.

What, according to interpretations of Conrad's work, was the crisis facing the Western bourgeoise class? 
Conrad believed that history was futile and cyclical, individuals acted alone and human values were irrational.

Which four elements make up the levels of 'unity' which Marxist criticism focusses on?
The levels of 'unity' that are focussed on in Marxist criticism are made up of four elements, and these include 'text', 'ideology', 'social relations' and productive forces'.

In his letter Joseph Bloc, what did Engels want to deny about the base and the superstructure? 
In Engels' letter, Joseph Bloc, he denied that the base and superstructure had any complete connection.

Why does Marx believe we enjoy classical Greek literature?
He believes we still enjoy Greek literature because it gives us artistic pleasure and an unachievable model.