1. Literary criticism involves the interpretation and analysis of literary texts to uncover their meaning, themes, and artistic techniques. It aims to explore the ways in which authors use language and narrative to convey ideas and emotions.
2. Critics examine various elements of a text, including plot, character development, symbolism, setting, style, and structure. They analyze how these elements contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the work.

1. Literary criticism encompasses a wide range of approaches and theories, each offering a different lens through which to view and understand literature. Some common approaches include:
2. Formalism: Focuses on the formal aspects of a text, such as its structure, language, and literary devices.
3. Historical Criticism: Considers the historical context in which a text was written, including social, political, and cultural factors.
4. Biographical Criticism: Examines an author’s life and experiences to gain insight into their works.
5. Feminist Criticism: Analyzes literature from a gender perspective, exploring issues related to gender roles, power dynamics, and representation.
6. Marxist Criticism: Investigates literature in terms of class struggle, economic conditions, and social inequalities.
7. Psychoanalytic Criticism: Applies psychological theories, such as those of Sigmund Freud, to analyze characters and themes.
8. Postcolonial Criticism: Explores the effects of colonialism, imperialism, and cultural domination in literature.
9. Reader-Response Criticism: Focuses on the reader’s personal interpretation and emotional response to a text.

1. Literary criticism involves making evaluative judgments about the quality, significance, and impact of literary works. Critics may assess a work’s artistic merit, originality, and its contribution to the literary canon.
2. Evaluations can be both positive and negative, and they often lead to debates and discussions among scholars and readers.

1. Critics consider the cultural and historical context in which a literary work was produced. They examine how societal norms, values, and events of the time influence the text and its themes.
2. This contextual analysis helps in understanding the motivations of the author and the relevance of the work to its contemporary audience.

1. Comparative analysis is a common approach in literary criticism. Critics compare and contrast different works of literature, authors, or genres to highlight similarities, differences, and influences.
2. Comparative analysis can reveal literary trends, cultural exchanges, and the evolution of themes and styles over time.

1. Literary criticism also explores how a work of literature is received by its audience, both during the time of its publication and in subsequent periods. Critics examine the critical reception, public response, and cultural impact of a text.
2. This aspect of criticism helps gauge the enduring significance of a literary work and its influence on subsequent generations of writers and readers.

Literary criticism is not limited to a specific genre; it is applied to various forms of literature, including novels, poetry, drama, essays, and non-fiction. Different genres may require different analytical approaches.

In academic settings, literary criticism plays a central role in scholarly discourse. It forms the basis for research papers, dissertations, and critical essays, allowing students and scholars to engage in intellectual discussions and contribute to the field of literature studies.

Literary criticism enhances the reading experience by providing readers with tools to explore and appreciate the depth and complexity of literary works. It encourages readers to think critically, ask questions, and engage with texts on a deeper level.