What are some examples of poetic theory?

There are multiple theories to which one could apply a
critical analysis of a poem. The theories that can be applied to poetry are the same
which are applied to literature in general. The following literary theories are normally
used when examining and criticising literature.

Moral
Criticism (periods dating 360 BC to Present)-Based upon the thoughts of Plato and
Aristotle. This theory looked at art (literature) in regards to its representation of
moral good. Plato and Aristotle disagreed. For example, they disagreed that poets
represent nature in a mediocre fashion.

New Criticism
(periods dating 1930-Present)- These texts were examined in regards to their social or
historical forces or ethical statements.

Psychoanalytic
(1930-Present)-Based upon Freudian thought regarding the unconscious, the desires, and
the defenses.

Marxist (1930- Present)-This theory focused
upon social standing, personal values, and believability of the
work.

Reader-Response (1960-Present)-This theory focuses
upon the readers response to the text. Questions asked about the reading should focus
upon reader interaction, reader experience, reader interpretation, and if the reader was
acknowledged by the author.

Structuralism (1920-Present)-
This theory examines the use of the linguistics and semiotics within a text. It also
examines patterns and experiences within a
text.

Deconstruction (1966-Present)-This theory examines
how systems, frameworks and definitions are broken down for a
reader.

New Historicism (1980-Present)-When using this
theory, critics determine the importance of the time period, culture, and political
movements which influenced the work.

Post-Colonial
(1990-Present)-This theory focuses upon the literary works of people who were/are
colonized and those in colonial power.

Feminist
(1960-Present)-This theory examines the treatment of women in regards to political,
economic, psychological, and social degradation and
oppression.

Gender/Queer Studies (1970-Present)- This
theory was influenced by Feminist theory and examines the "hows" in regard to the
breakdowns of sexuality and gender bias.