# Definition and Scope - What is Literary Theory and Criticism?
Introduction
Literary Theory and Criticism constitute the core of literary studies. They provide systematic ways of reading, interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating literary texts. Rather than treating literature as mere storytelling or aesthetic pleasure, literary theory encourages readers to explore how texts produce meaning and how they relate to social, cultural, political, and historical contexts. Literary criticism puts these theoretical ideas into practice by closely engaging with specific texts.
Definition of Literary Theory
Literary Theory can be defined as a set of ideas, principles, concepts, and frameworks used to understand, interpret, and analyze literature. It offers methods of reading and acts as a lens or perspective through which a literary text can be examined.
Literary theory asks fundamental questions such as:
- What is literature?
- How should literature be read and interpreted?
- How is meaning produced in a text?
- What role do language, ideology, power, and culture play in literature?
Theories such as Formalism, Structuralism, Marxism, Feminism, Psychoanalysis, Postcolonialism, and Post-structuralism provide different frameworks for understanding texts. This is often explained through the “glass metaphor”—the same text looks different when viewed through different theoretical lenses.
Definition of Literary Criticism
Literary Criticism is the actual practice or application of literary theory. It involves the close reading, interpretation, analysis, and evaluation of literary texts using theoretical frameworks.
While theory provides the tools, criticism uses those tools to:
- analyze themes, characters, language, and structure,
- interpret meanings,
- and make judgments about a text’s significance.
- Literary criticism includes:
- Judgement
- Analysis
- Critical reading
For example, a research paper on Hamlet focusing on the Oedipus Complex is an application of psychoanalytic theory, and hence an act of literary criticism.
In nutshell:
Theory = framework
Criticism = application of that framework
Relationship between Literary Theory and Criticism
Literary theory and criticism are deeply interconnected. Literary theory provides perspectives and frameworks. Literary criticism applies these perspectives to texts
This relationship can be represented as:
Theory → Application → Criticism
For example:
- Reading The Great Gatsby through Marxist theory focuses on class struggle, capitalism, and the American Dream
- A feminist reading of a text examines gender roles and power relations
Thus, criticism depends on theory, and theory evolves through critical practice.
#Scope of Literary Theory and Criticism
The scope of literary theory and criticism is wide and interdisciplinary.
1. Interpretation of Literary Texts
Literary theory allows multiple interpretations of the same text. Meaning is not fixed but shaped by theoretical perspective, reader background, and context.
2. Analysis of Form and Structure
Theories like formalism emphasize close reading, literary devices, narrative structure, and language, helping students understand how texts are constructed.
3. Contextual and Cultural Understanding
Literary theory connects literature with:
- historical conditions,
- social structures,
- political ideologies,
- psychological forces.
- Texts are read as products of their time and culture.
4. Exploration of Power, Ideology, and Identity
Theories such as Marxism, Feminism, and Postcolonialism examine:
- class struggle,
- gender inequality,
- colonial power,
- race and identity.
Literature is seen as reflecting and questioning dominant ideologies.
5. Evaluation and Critical Judgement
Literary criticism not only interprets texts but also evaluates their quality, relevance, and cultural importance, while arguing for specific meanings.
6. Philosophical Foundations
The roots of literary criticism can be traced back to classical thinkers like Plato, who viewed literature as an imitation of reality (mimesis), as discussed in The Republic. This shows that criticism has always been concerned with the nature, function, and impact of literature.
7. Dynamic and Evolving Discipline
The interaction between theory and interpretation is ongoing. As society changes, new theories emerge, and older theories are revised, keeping literary studies dynamic and relevant.
Conclusion
Literary Theory and Criticism together transform reading into a critical and intellectual activity. Literary theory provides conceptual frameworks to understand literature, while literary criticism applies these frameworks to interpret and evaluate texts. Their scope extends beyond literature to include social, political, cultural, and psychological dimensions of human experience. Thus, literary theory and criticism are essential for a deeper, informed, and meaningful engagement with literature.
# Purpose and Function - Why We Analyze and Evaluate Literature?
Introduction
Literary analysis and evaluation are essential activities in literary studies because literature is not merely about what is written but about how, why, and what it means. Literary criticism moves beyond surface-level reading to explore meaning, value, function, and relevance. Through analysis and evaluation, literature becomes a site of intellectual inquiry, cultural reflection, and critical engagement.
Purpose of Analyzing Literature
1. To Move Beyond “What” to “How” and “Why”
The primary purpose of analysis is to move beyond what the text says to examine how it says it and why it matters. This involves studying language, structure, form, symbols, and narrative techniques to understand how meaning is produced.
2. To View Texts Through Different Lenses
Different theoretical lenses highlight different aspects of the same text. Each perspective focuses on a particular part of the work, showing that meaning is not fixed but multiple and layered.
3. To Understand Literature as a System of Meaning
Literature is understood as a set of signs that produce meaning. Analysis examines how words, images, metaphors, and structures function together to convey ideas.
4. To Develop Close Reading and Textual Analysis
Analysis involves close reading—attention to form, genre, language, imagery, and structure. Concepts such as intertextuality, paratext, genre, and textual analysis help reveal hidden connections and deeper meanings.
Function of Evaluating Literature
1. Criticism as Judgement
The word criticism comes from the Greek krinein, meaning to judge. One of the central functions of literary criticism is evaluation—assessing the merits and demerits of a literary work and ultimately judging its artistic worth.
2. To Assess Literary and Artistic Value
Evaluation helps determine a text’s quality, originality, coherence, and effectiveness. It allows critics to explain why certain works endure and remain culturally significant.
3. To Argue for Meaning and Interpretation
Evaluation is not personal opinion but reasoned judgment. Critics support their interpretations through evidence, theory, and logical argument.
4. To Understand Literature’s Social and Cultural Role
Evaluation examines what literature does—how it influences readers, reflects society, critiques ideology, and shapes cultural values.
Nature and Function of Literary Criticism
Literary criticism can be defined as the study, discussion, interpretation, and evaluation of literature. It asks fundamental questions such as:
- What is literature?
- What does a text do?
- What is its worth?
Criticism operates within a triangular relationship between:
Author - Text - Reader
The critic stands at the center, interpreting the text using their own intellectual framework, philosophy, and outlook on life.
# Chief Function of Literary Criticism
The chief function of literary criticism is to enlighten and stimulate readers. By offering informed interpretations and evaluations, criticism sharpens readers’ understanding and deepens their engagement with literature.
# Why Analysis and Evaluation Are Necessary
- They transform reading into a critical and reflective activity
- They help readers engage with literature intellectually and culturally
- They reveal literature’s relevance to social, political, and philosophical concerns
- They connect theory with practice
- They keep literature dynamic and open to reinterpretation
# Conclusion
The purpose and function of analyzing and evaluating literature lie in understanding meaning, judging value, and exploring significance. Analysis helps explain how literature works and what it means, while evaluation determines why it matters. Together, they allow literature to be appreciated not only as art but also as a powerful medium of thought, culture, and human experience.
We analyze literature to understand meaning, and we evaluate it to assess value; together, they make literature a critical and living discipline.
