Literary criticism

Definition

Literary criticism is the evaluation, analysis, and interpretation of literary works, assessing their meanings, themes, structures, and cultural significance. This practice helps to establish a dialogue between texts and readers, enriching the understanding of both the literature itself and the context in which it was created. It can encompass various approaches, including historical, formalist, feminist, and post-colonial perspectives, each offering unique insights into the text's relevance and impact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Literary criticism gained prominence in the 18th century with figures like Samuel Johnson, who emphasized the importance of moral judgment in literature.
2. Fielding's works were often subjects of criticism that examined social issues of his time, including class struggles and morality.
3. The Johnsonian circle fostered a vibrant literary culture that influenced both the writing and critical reception of literature during the 18th century.
4. Critics during this period often used literary criticism to engage with contemporary political and social issues, shaping public opinion through their analyses.
5. Literary criticism has evolved over time, reflecting changes in society and culture, which influences how modern readers interpret classical texts.

Review Questions

• How did literary criticism contribute to the understanding of Fielding's major works and their significance?
  • Literary criticism played a crucial role in interpreting Fielding's works by examining their themes of social critique and morality. Critics analyzed his narrative techniques and character development to highlight how they reflect the complexities of 18th-century society. This critical engagement not only shed light on Fielding's intentions as an author but also helped establish his lasting impact on English literature.
• In what ways did Samuel Johnson's contributions to literary criticism shape the culture within the Johnsonian circle?
  • Samuel Johnson's contributions to literary criticism significantly shaped the culture within the Johnsonian circle by fostering a rigorous approach to analyzing literature. His emphasis on moral evaluation encouraged discussions about the ethical implications of literary works. Additionally, his own writings provided a model for aspiring critics in this circle, establishing standards for literary analysis that influenced both contemporary and future evaluations of texts.
• Evaluate the influence of different schools of literary criticism on the interpretation of works from the late 17th to mid-19th century.
  • The influence of various schools of literary criticism on the interpretation of works from this period has been profound. For instance, New Criticism allowed readers to focus on textual elements without external distractions, while feminist and postcolonial criticisms opened up dialogues about gender and colonial contexts in literature. This diversity in critical approaches reflects changing societal values and encourages readers to engage with texts in multifaceted ways, ultimately enriching their understanding of literary works across different eras.

Related terms

New Criticism:

A school of literary criticism that emphasizes close reading and analysis of a text's structure and meaning without considering external factors like author biography or historical context.

Feminist Criticism: An approach that examines literature through the lens of gender dynamics, exploring how texts reinforce or challenge traditional gender roles and representations.

Postcolonial Criticism: A framework that analyzes literature produced in the context of colonialism and its aftermath, focusing on issues of identity, power dynamics, and cultural representation.