The most basic definition of
literary criticism would be a
reasoned consideration of
literary works and issues. Often taken as the
earliest important example of literary criticism is
Plato's warnings against the hazardous outcomes of poetic inspiration in general in his
Republic
More specifically it has been referred to as"practical criticism," the interpretation of meaning and the judgment of quality.
In the most narrow sense:
" (Literary criticism).....can be distinguished not only from aesthetics (the philosophy of artistic value) but also from other matters that may concern the student of literature: biographical questions, bibliography, historical knowledge, sources and influences, and problems of method. Thus, especially in academic studies, "criticism" is often considered to be separate from "scholarship." In practice, however, this distinction often proves artificial, and even the most single-minded concentration on a text may be informed by outside knowledge, while many notable works of criticism combine discussion of texts with broad arguments about the nature of literature and the principles of assessing it."
Concepts and contents of literary criticism include, but are not limited to, an author page citation,bibliography ,direct quotation,extrinsic criticism,impressionistic criticism, intrinsic criticism, judicial criticism, literary criticism,paraphrase, précis, correct usage of private domain vs public domain, summary, technical criticism, and works cited.
To demonstrate a mastery of literary criticism the author creates a working bibliography listing and properly formatting a number of sources of information from literary criticism sources, at least three indices to find sources for a research
a preliminary outline, and identifying the best sources to support their thesis and subtopics. Is able to adjust their topics based on the availability of sources, take notes to gather information to support their outlines, and
communicate their appreciation to others by selecting a variety of appropriate media sources.
Using outlines and notes, adjust their topics based on the availability of sources take notes to gather information to support their outlines
communicate their appreciation to others by selecting a variety of appropriate media sources
Literary criticisms customarily have a title page, a final outline, author page citations, and a works cited page.
As the very basic definition of a literary criticism it is a discussion of literature, including description, analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literary works. Like literature, criticism is hard to define. The critics objective is to challenge definitions of literature and criticism that seem unworkable, too general or to narrow in some manner. The task is to deal with different dimensions of literature as a collection of texts through which authors evoke more or less fictitious worlds for the imagination of readers.
For example one can look at the text’s formal characteristics, critics usually recognize the variability of performances of dramatic works and the variability of readers’ mental interpretations of texts. By paying particular attention to its language and structure; its intended purpose; the information and world view it conveys; or its effect on an audience--in studying an author’s purpose the literary critic forces beyond a writer’s conscious intentions affecting what the writer actually communicates. At heart an exploration of the complex relationship between truth and fiction in various types of storytelling. In studying literature’s impact on its audience, critics have been increasingly aware of how cultural expectations shape experience.
Works of literature are studied long after their first publication, awareness of historical and theoretical context contributes to the enjoyment, appreciation, and understanding of them. Historical research relates a work to the life and times of its author. Paying heed to the nature, functions, and categories of literature provides a theoretical framework joining a past text to the experience of present readers. The tradition of literary criticism combines observations by creative writers, philosophers, and, more recently, trained specialists in literary, historical, and cultural studies.
Selected References
ENCYCLOPÆDIA BRITANNICA:
http://www.britannica.com
Literary Criticism:
http://servercc.oakton.edu