Definition of Literary Criticism ?
Literary criticism is the evaluation, analysis, interpretation, and understanding of literature, including novels, poems, plays, and other written works. It involves examining the themes, characters, plot, language, and other elements of a literary piece to gain deeper insights into its meaning and significance. Literary criticism helps readers and scholars explore the artistic, cultural, historical, and social contexts of a work, providing a deeper understanding of its messages and implications. Critics use various approaches and theories to study literature, uncovering hidden meanings and contributing to the overall appreciation and interpretation of literary texts.
12 functions of literary criticism
Interpretation: Literary criticism helps in interpreting literary texts, providing deeper insights into the meanings, themes, and symbols within the works.
Evaluation: Critics assess the quality and artistic merit of literary works, offering judgments on their value, relevance, and contribution to literature.
Analysis: Literary criticism involves analyzing the structure, style, and language of texts, understanding how these elements contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the work.
Contextualization: Critics place literary works within their historical, cultural, and social contexts, helping readers understand the influences and motivations behind the texts.
Comparison: Critics compare different works of literature, identifying similarities, differences, and trends across various genres, time periods, or cultural contexts.
Exploration of Themes: Literary criticism explores recurring themes in literature, examining how these themes are portrayed, developed, and varied across different works.
Understanding Authorial Intent: Critics attempt to discern the intentions of authors, considering how an author's life, beliefs, and experiences shape their literary creations.
Reader Response: Literary criticism explores how readers respond to and interpret texts, recognizing the subjective nature of reading experiences.
Social and Political Commentary: Critics analyze literature as a reflection of societal issues, ideologies, and political climates, uncovering hidden or implicit commentary within the texts.
Influence and Reception: Literary criticism studies how literary works influence subsequent literature, art, and culture, as well as how they are received and appreciated by different audiences over time.
Cultural Significance: Critics assess the cultural significance of literary works, considering their impact on shaping cultural identities, beliefs, and values.
Promotion of Literary Appreciation: Literary criticism helps cultivate an appreciation for literature, encouraging readers to engage critically with texts and fostering a love for reading.
Remember, these functions are not mutually exclusive, and literary criticism often involves a combination of these elements, tailored to the specific focus and goals of the critic.
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