ipl-logo

Introduction to Literary Criticism in Literature

Literary criticism is an analysis of literature and the process of evaluating, interpreting, and understanding it. It involves examining plot structure, characterization, theme development, symbolism, tone, mood, etc., as well as the historical context within which a work was written. This type of literary analysis helps readers better understand a text by looking at both its form (the way it's structured) and content (what it says). Through this process, we can gain insight into how writers use language to create meaning.


The purpose of literary criticism is not only to analyze what has already been written, but also to evaluate the quality or merit of that writing. In other words, critics are tasked with determining whether or not something should be considered "good" or "bad" art based on their own standards for what constitutes good literature. Of course, there will always be subjective interpretations when reading any given piece; however, there are certain criteria that all works must meet in order for them to be considered successful pieces of literature according to traditional academic standards: coherence and clarity; accuracy and depth; originality and creativity; relevance and significance, etc.


How to Read Literature Like a Professor

Reading literature like a professor is an invaluable skill that can help any reader gain more insight and understanding of the texts they are reading. In his book, “How to Read Literature Like a Professor,” Thomas C. Foster outlines various techniques for unlocking hidden meanings in literature. He explains how readers should be aware of literary devices such as symbols, motifs, archetypes, and patterns that will enable them to better comprehend what lies beneath the surface of each text they read. Additionally, he emphasizes how knowledge of literary history can enhance one's ability to understand certain references made within works of fiction or poetry. By taking into account different elements such as cultural context and historical allusions when analyzing literature, readers will have access to deeper interpretations than those provided by simply looking at plot structure or character development alone.

Related MicroTopics
Related Essays
Upton Sinclair's Jungle Conditions

The Cruel Conditions of A Jungle Upton Sinclair’s novel The Jungle, introduces Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant who enters America with his wife Ona. Jurgis is a strong individual who is eager to learn more about the American dream, but the miserable working and living conditions in Packingtown starts to make an impact in his life that will cause him to struggle in supporting his family. Firstly, this story takes place in the twentieth century, and depicts a Lithuanian family who decides to

Show More
Analysis All The Light We Cannot See

Source Many different types of literary criticism exist today; each one allowing a reader to see literature in a different perspective. In All the Light We Cannot See, as the title could imply, it would be reasonable to say that using a particular perspectives lights up different meanings in the book. Amongst the three different lens (Reader Response, Archetypal, Feminist) that I used to analyze All the Light We Cannot See, I personally found using the feminist lens to be very insightful

Show More
Tim Blair Universalism

Further on, the concept of universalism can be applied to Tim Blair’s article when assessing the following statement in the article “"You can walk the length of crowded Haldon St and not hear a single phrase in English.” Blair universalises the language “English” as a quality to western identity. Because he does not hear anyone speak English in Lakemba he automatically assumes that they do not hold an Australian identity as speaking English is seen as a criteria to be Australian. (Reference here

Show More
The Girl Who Drak The Moon Analysis

conflicts, Ignatia versus her grief and the villagers versus their fear of the non-existent witch. Traditionally, stories involving childhood abandonment use it mainly as a plot device (Gross, 106), but Barnhill’ story is different. According to the literary analysis article, “The Giver and Shade's Children, Future Views of Child Abandonment and Murder,” by Distinguished Scholar Award winner, Melissa Gross, both of these books are also exceptions. They too use child murder and abandonment as important

Show More
The Handmaid's Tale By Margaret Atwood

New Historicism is an emerging field of literary criticism that originated in the 80’s. It focuses on the relationship between literature and the time when it was written. One of its most fundamental concepts is that it “assumes that every work is a product of the historic moment that created it" (Richter 1205). An example of this occurs in The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood as a product of Puritanism during the Seventeenth century. During the Seventeenth century, Puritans believed that women

Show More
Satire In Naguib Mahfouz's Midaq Alley

“Satire is a sort of glass wherein beholders do generally discover everybody’s face but their own” (Jonathan Swift). From literary works to social media; irony and sarcasm are particularly common but rarely recognized, mentioned devices don’t only criticize others but expose their stupidities as well. In Midaq Alley, Naguib Mahfouz uses satire to express his own disdain and judgment for social groups he encounters. Moreover, he shows and criticizes the use of satire by other characters revealing

Show More