Literary criticism

Samuel Johnson by Joshua Reynolds 2

Ferdinand de Saussure by Jullien Restored

Literary criticism is the study, evaluation, and interpretation of literature. Modern literary criticism is often influenced by literary theory, which is the philosophical discussion of literature's goals and methods. Though the two activities are closely related, literary critics are not always, and have not always been, theorists.

History

The practice of literary criticism has a long history, dating back to classical antiquity. Aristotle's Poetics is an early example, offering both a theoretical framework for literary analysis and practical criticism of tragedy. In the Middle Ages, literary criticism often took the form of commentary on poetry and philosophy, with a strong emphasis on moral and allegorical interpretations. The Renaissance brought about a renewed interest in classical criticism and the development of new ideas about art and literature, exemplified by works such as Sir Philip Sidney's The Defence of Poesy.

During the Enlightenment, literary criticism began to focus more on the text itself and less on external criteria for evaluation. This period saw the rise of figures like Samuel Johnson, who analyzed the works of Shakespeare and other authors with an eye towards both their beauty and moral impact. The 19th century introduced Romanticism, which emphasized the emotional and imaginative aspects of literature, leading to new forms of criticism that valued personal response over objective analysis.

The 20th century witnessed an explosion of literary theories, including Marxism, Psychoanalytic criticism, Structuralism, Deconstruction, and Feminism, each offering different lenses through which to view texts. This period also saw the rise of the New Criticism, which advocated for a close reading of the text itself, independent of historical or biographical context.

Approaches

Literary criticism can take a variety of approaches, including but not limited to:

• Formalism: Focuses on a text's formal elements, such as structure, language, and style.
• Historical Criticism: Considers the historical context in which a work was produced and how it reflects or responds to its time.
• Marxist Criticism: Analyzes literature based on its social content and its relation to the economic and class struggles of its time.
• Psychoanalytic Criticism: Applies principles of psychoanalysis to understand the characters, plots, and themes of literary works.
• Feminist Criticism: Examines literature through the lens of gender dynamics, exploring how texts perpetuate or challenge patriarchal ideas.
• Postcolonial Criticism: Focuses on literature produced in countries that were once colonies, analyzing themes of identity, power, and resistance.

Purpose

The purpose of literary criticism is not only to interpret and evaluate works of literature but also to illuminate how literature reflects, influences, and shapes society. Critics help readers see beyond the surface of texts to explore deeper meanings and connections. Through various critical lenses, literature can be understood in new and revealing ways, contributing to a richer appreciation of both the texts themselves and the human condition they reflect.

Contemporary Issues

In the contemporary era, literary criticism continues to evolve, incorporating concerns about globalization, identity politics, and the impact of digital media on literature. Critics debate the relevance of traditional literary criticism in a rapidly changing world and explore new ways to engage with texts that reflect the diversity and complexity of modern life.