Literary criticism

Definition

Literary criticism is the evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of literary works, exploring their themes, structure, and cultural significance. It involves applying various theoretical frameworks to better understand a text's meaning and context, impacting how literature is produced and consumed. This critical examination can reveal underlying ideologies and contribute to broader discussions in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Literary criticism has roots in ancient times, with notable figures like Aristotle contributing foundational ideas about drama and poetry.
2. The Renaissance period saw a resurgence of literary criticism tied to humanist ideals, encouraging deeper exploration of classical texts and new works.
3. The growth of coffee houses in the 18th century fostered literary circles that shared critiques and discussions on contemporary literature, influencing public opinion.
4. As novels became more popular in the 18th century, literary criticism evolved to assess their complexity, themes, and societal reflections.
5. Different schools of literary criticism emerged over time, each offering unique insights and methodologies for interpreting texts based on cultural, social, and political contexts.

Review Questions

• How did humanism influence the development of literary criticism during the Renaissance?
  • Humanism encouraged a return to classical texts and emphasized the importance of individual experience and reason. This shift led critics to analyze literature with a focus on human values and emotions. Humanist thinkers advocated for critical engagement with texts, prompting deeper examinations of themes and moral questions within literature, thus shaping the framework for later literary criticism.
• In what ways did coffee house culture contribute to the evolution of literary criticism in the 18th century?
  • Coffee houses served as informal gathering places where writers, intellectuals, and critics could discuss literature openly. This exchange of ideas fostered a sense of community around literary works, allowing for diverse opinions and critiques to flourish. The resulting discussions often influenced public perception of new literature, helping to create a dynamic environment for literary criticism.
• Evaluate how the rise of the novel in the 18th century impacted literary criticism's focus on narrative structure and character development.
  • As novels gained popularity in the 18th century, literary criticism began to emphasize aspects such as narrative techniques and character psychology. Critics started analyzing how authors constructed their stories and developed complex characters to reflect societal norms or challenge conventions. This shift allowed for a richer understanding of literature as a medium for exploring human experience, ultimately leading to more sophisticated frameworks for critique.

Related terms

New Criticism: A formalist approach to literary analysis that emphasizes close reading and the text itself, rather than external factors like author intent or historical context.

Feminist Criticism: A perspective that examines literature through the lens of gender dynamics, exploring how texts reflect or challenge the roles of women in society.

Postcolonial Criticism: An analytical framework that investigates literature produced in the context of colonialism and its aftermath, addressing issues of identity, power, and representation.