Unit 1 (Literary Criticism)

Literary Criticism is the practice of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating works of

literature. It helps readers understand deeper meanings, themes, and techniques in a book,
poem, or play.

Definitions of Literary Criticism according to famous critics and scholars:

1. Matthew Arnold: “Criticism is a disinterested endeavor to learn and propagate the best
that is known and thought in the world.”

2. T.S. Eliot: “The business of the critic is to distinguish between what is good and bad in
literature and to explain why it is good or bad.”

3. John Dryden: “Criticism is the art of judging wisely and rightly of the excellencies and
defects of writing.”

4. I.A. Richards: “The aim of literary criticism is to promote a greater awareness of the
artistic and intellectual values of literature.”

5. F.R. Leavis: “Literary criticism is the discipline of sensitively analyzing and evaluating
the aesthetic and moral quality of works of art.”

Functions of Literary Criticism:

1. Evaluation:
 Literary criticism helps us decide if a piece of literature is good or bad.
 Critics assess the quality of a literary work by examining its themes, style,
structure, and impact. They consider how well the author achieves their artistic
goals and whether the work resonates with readers emotionally or intellectually.
 To assess the quality, strengths, and weaknesses of a literary work.
 It distinguishes great literature from ordinary or weak works.
2. Interpretation:
 It helps understand what a book, poem, or play really means.
 Interpretation in literary criticism is about understanding what a piece of literature
is trying to say beyond the actual story. Critics analyze symbols, and deeper
meanings to explain what the author might be communicating.
  Critics explore the deeper meanings and ideas within a text, considering
symbolism, themes, and underlying messages. They often look beyond the surface
story to uncover social, philosophical, or psychological insights.
 To explain the meaning of a literary text, often revealing hidden themes or ideas.
3. Judgement:
 To make judgments about whether a work is valuable or significant.
 It helps and guides the readers in selecting works that are worth reading and
appreciating.
 Example: Declaring Shakespeare’s works timeless due to their universal themes
and emotional depth.
4. Comparison:
 To compare one work with others in terms of style, themes, or influence.
 It highlights unique qualities or shows how a work fits into literary traditions.
 Example: Comparing the Romantic poetry of Wordsworth and Shelley to identify
differences in their views on nature.
5. Preservation of Literary Standards:
 To maintain high literary quality by critiquing works that fall below established
standards.
 It helps keep the value of older literature alive.
 Critics make sure that classical works are not forgotten by reintroducing them to
new audiences. They analyze why such works remain relatable or important,
promoting appreciation across generations.
 It encourages writers to produce meaningful and well-crafted works.
6. Guidance to Readers:
 It helps readers in choosing, understanding, and enjoying literature that they might
like.
 Some works of literature are difficult to understand due to dense language,
abstract themes, or cultural references. Critics simplify and explain these
elements.
 Criticism acts as a roadmap, offering suggestions and explanations that build up
the reading experience.
7. Cultural and Historical Context:
 To situate literature within its cultural, historical, or social context.
 It shows how a piece of literature fits into the time and culture it came from.
  Shows how a work reflects or critiques the time in which it was written.
 Critics place works within their historical, social, and cultural contexts, helping
readers understand the influences of the era, such as politics, religion, and societal
norms.
8. Encouragement of New Ideas:
 To inspire writers and readers to think critically and explore new interpretations.
 Opens up fresh ways of looking at familiar texts or inspires new literary creations.
 Literary criticism encourages readers to explore alternative interpretations and
meanings. For example, feminist criticism examines texts from the perspective of
gender roles, while Marxist criticism focuses on class struggles and economic
themes.
9. Promotion of Dialogue:
 To foster discussions about literature and its impact on society.
 Different readers may interpret a literary work in unique ways. Literary criticism
validates these diverse views and creates space for discussion.
 Encourages multiple viewpoints and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of
literature.
10. Education and Awareness:
 To educate readers and scholars about literary techniques, genres, and movements.
 Creates awareness of literary traditions and innovations.
 It inspires writers to improve their writing styles and structures.
 By pointing out strengths and weaknesses in literary works, criticism influences
how authors approach their craft. For example, modernist writers responded to
criticisms of Victorian literature by experimenting with new styles and forms.

In summary, literary criticism enhances understanding, appreciation, and judgment of

literature while fostering dialogue and maintaining literary standards. It serves as a bridge
between the writer and the reader, enriching the overall experience of literature.

Methods of Literary Criticism:

1. Formalism (or New Criticism): It focuses only on the text itself, analyzing its form,
structure, language, and literary devices without studying external factors like the author’s
background or historical context. It emphasizes close reading of the text. Studies elements
like imagery, symbolism, irony, rhyme, and plot structure.
2. Historical Criticism: Examines literature in the context of its historical, social, and
cultural background. Views the text as a product of its time. Explores how historical events,
societal norms, or cultural trends influence the text. May involve researching the era’s
politics, religion, or economy.

3. Marxist Criticism: Inspired by Karl Marx, this approach analyzes literature through the
lens of class conflict, economic inequality, and power dynamics. Focuses on how social and
economic conditions shape characters and themes. Examines the text’s portrayal of class
struggle, labor, and wealth. Critiques capitalist ideologies or structures found in the text.

4. Feminist Criticism: Analyzes literature from a gendered perspective, focusing on

women’s roles, representation, and power dynamics. Challenges patriarchal assumptions in
literature. Examines how women are portrayed and whether they conform to or resist
stereotypes. Highlights themes of oppression, identity, and gender inequality.

5. Psychoanalytic Criticism: Draws on psychological theories (Freud, Jung, etc.) to analyze

characters’ subconscious motives and the text’s symbolic meanings. Focuses on desires,
fears, repression, and inner conflicts. Explores symbols (e.g., dreams, myths) for hidden
psychological meaning. May examine the author’s psyche or unconscious influences on the
text.

6. Postcolonial Criticism: Studies the effects of colonization on literature, focusing on

identity, power, and cultural conflict. Analyzes how colonialism shapes characters, themes,
and cultural narratives. Explores issues of identity, displacement, and resistance. Challenges
Eurocentric views in literature.

7. Reader-Response Criticism: Focuses on how readers create meaning through their

personal interpretations of the text. Views reading as an interactive process. Emphasizes the
reader’s emotional, intellectual, and cultural perspective. Believes the text has no fixed
meaning without the reader’s input.

8. Structuralism: Analyzes the structures underlying literature, such as myths, archetypes,

and binary oppositions. Sees literature as part of a larger system of signs and meanings.
Focuses on recurring patterns, symbols, or narrative structures. Believes meaning comes from
the relationship between elements.

9. Deconstruction: Challenges the idea of fixed meanings in texts, revealing contradictions

and ambiguities. Focuses on internal contradictions and instability of meaning. Argues that
language is fluid and open to interpretation. Explores how texts undermine their own
messages.

10. Ecocriticism: Examines the relationship between literature and the natural environment.
Explores how nature and the environment are represented in literature. Highlights
environmental issues and human-nature relationships. Critiques anthropocentric (human-
centered) views.