Literary criticism

Definition

Literary criticism is the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literature, examining its themes, structure, and cultural contexts. It encompasses various approaches, such as formalism, historical context, and feminist theory, allowing readers to engage more deeply with texts. This field plays a vital role in shaping how literature is understood and appreciated across different periods, including those influenced by major literary movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Literary criticism emerged as a formal discipline in the 18th century and evolved significantly during the 19th century with the rise of various literary movements.
2. Transcendentalist essays often featured literary criticism by promoting individual intuition and the importance of nature in understanding literature's deeper meanings.
3. Critics in transatlantic literary circles exchanged ideas and critiques, fostering a rich dialogue that influenced both American and European literature.
4. Key figures in literary criticism, like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Margaret Fuller, contributed to the development of critical thought around transcendentalism and its impact on society.
5. Literary criticism serves not just as an academic tool but also as a means for readers to connect emotionally and intellectually with texts.

Review Questions

• How does literary criticism enhance our understanding of transcendentalist essays?
  • Literary criticism enhances our understanding of transcendentalist essays by providing frameworks to analyze their themes and stylistic choices. Critics can explore how authors like Emerson used personal experience and nature to convey deeper philosophical ideas. This analysis allows readers to appreciate the nuances of transcendentalism, such as the emphasis on individuality and the critique of societal norms.
• What role did transatlantic literary circles play in shaping literary criticism during the 18th and 19th centuries?
  • Transatlantic literary circles played a crucial role in shaping literary criticism by fostering communication between American and European writers and critics. These exchanges allowed for diverse perspectives on literature, enriching the critical discourse of the time. As ideas flowed across the Atlantic, they influenced each other’s understanding of themes, styles, and cultural contexts within their works.
• Evaluate how different forms of literary criticism can alter the interpretation of a single text from both transcendentalist essays and transatlantic correspondences.
  • Different forms of literary criticism can dramatically alter the interpretation of a single text by offering various lenses through which to examine it. For instance, applying feminist criticism to a transcendentalist essay may reveal underlying gender dynamics that traditional analysis might overlook. Meanwhile, historical context might shed light on how transatlantic correspondences shaped the author's views or responses to contemporary issues. By engaging with these critical approaches, readers gain richer, multifaceted interpretations that highlight diverse aspects of literature.

Related terms

Formalism: A critical approach that focuses on the form and structure of a literary work, analyzing elements such as style, imagery, and symbolism without considering external factors.

Historical Context: The social, political, and cultural circumstances surrounding a literary work that influence its creation and reception.

Feminist Criticism: A critical perspective that explores how literature reinforces or challenges gender roles, focusing on women's representation and experiences in literary texts.