What is Literary Criticism?

Tim Nance

24 Feb 201506:13

Summary

TLDRThis video script explores the concept of literary criticism as a multifaceted approach to analyzing literature. It likens literary criticism to viewing a mannequin from various angles, each revealing different aspects. The script clarifies misconceptions about criticism, emphasizing its role in enhancing appreciation of literature rather than detracting from it. It introduces the idea that literary criticism involves close attention to detail, which can be positive, and that different critical theories offer unique perspectives, like travel agencies guiding tourists. The speaker also addresses the common student misconception of seeking a 'right answer' in literature, advocating for supported arguments and personal theories that enrich one's reading experience.

Takeaways

📚 Literary criticism is about examining literature from various perspectives, much like viewing different parts of a mannequin to understand its entirety.
🤔 The definition of 'literature' is complex and can encompass a wide range of texts, including those found in everyday experiences.
🔍 Criticism in literary criticism does not necessarily imply negativity; it is about paying close attention to details, both positive and negative.
🌟 Literary criticism can enhance the enjoyment of literature by revealing the craftsmanship, historical context, and other layers of meaning.
🎨 For some students, literary criticism might initially seem to detract from the fun of reading, but it ultimately enriches the experience.
🏛 Steven Lin's book 'Text and Context' offers a metaphor comparing literature to travel, with literary criticism acting as a guide to explore new worlds.
🧳 Different critical theories are likened to travel agencies, each offering a unique perspective on the literature being studied.
🚫 There is no single 'right answer' in literary criticism; instead, there is a spectrum of valid interpretations based on different theories and interests.
💡 Even without intending to, readers inherently apply some form of theory when they make judgments about what they read and enjoy.
📈 The value of a literary criticism piece depends on its ability to support an argument and provide a useful perspective, regardless of personal preference.
🎓 Students of literature are encouraged to explore various theories and develop their own criteria for literary appreciation beyond personal emotions.

Q & A

What is the main focus of literary criticism?
-The main focus of literary criticism is to examine literature from different perspectives, highlighting how the interpretation of a text can vary significantly based on the viewpoint from which it is analyzed.
What is the definition of 'literature' in the context of literary criticism?
-In the context of literary criticism, 'literature' is not strictly defined and can encompass a wide range of texts, including poetry, novels, and even experiences that provide cultural or societal insights, much like reading a basketball game.
What is the common misconception about the term 'criticism' in literary criticism?
-The common misconception is that 'criticism' is always negative, pointing out flaws. However, in literary criticism, it refers to a detailed analysis that can be positive, focusing on both the successful and meaningful aspects of a text as well as its flaws.
How can literary criticism enhance the appreciation of literature?
-Literary criticism can enhance the appreciation of literature by allowing readers to discover the depth and richness of a text, including its craftsmanship, historical context, and other layers of meaning that might not be immediately apparent.
Why might some students initially dislike literary criticism?
-Some students might initially dislike literary criticism because they feel it removes the enjoyment or fun from literature by over-analyzing and dissecting the text, which can seem to complicate the reading experience.
What does Steven Lin compare literature to in his book 'Text and Context'?
-Steven Lin compares literature to travel, suggesting that reading a book is like entering a new world, and literary criticism is akin to hiring a tour guide to show you where to go and what to see in that new place.
What is the role of different critical theories in literary criticism?
-Different critical theories in literary criticism act like travel agencies, offering different perspectives and focuses for the reader to explore, leading to varied interpretations and appreciations of a text.
What problem does the concept of 'the right answer' pose in literary criticism?
-The concept of 'the right answer' poses a problem in literary criticism because it implies a single correct interpretation, whereas in reality, literary criticism is more about a spectrum of valid interpretations based on different perspectives and interests.
What does the speaker suggest about having a theory when reading literature?
-The speaker suggests that no matter how one approaches literature, they inherently have a theory, even if they claim not to. This theory influences their enjoyment and judgments about the text, whether it is consciously recognized or not.
What is the speaker's approach to accepting different answers in literary criticism from students?
-The speaker accepts a variety of different answers in literary criticism from students, as long as the arguments are supported and are useful, emphasizing the importance of evidence and relevance over a predetermined 'right answer'.
What is the purpose of the speaker's upcoming videos?
-The purpose of the speaker's upcoming videos is to provide a brief overview of different types of critical theories in literary criticism, allowing viewers to become familiar with the various approaches to analyzing literature.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Literary Criticism

This paragraph introduces the concept of literary criticism as a multifaceted approach to analyzing literature. It emphasizes the importance of perspective, using the metaphor of viewing different parts of a mannequin to illustrate how varying viewpoints can change interpretation. The speaker defines 'literature' as a broad term that encompasses various forms of text, and 'criticism' as a detailed analysis that can be positive or negative. The paragraph also addresses common misconceptions about literary criticism, explaining that it can enhance the enjoyment of literature by revealing its deeper layers, much like understanding the craftsmanship behind a piece of art. The comparison of literary criticism to hiring a tour guide in a museum is used to highlight how it can guide readers to a richer understanding of the text.

05:01

🔍 The Role of Theory in Literary Criticism

The second paragraph delves into the inherent subjectivity in literary criticism, noting that every reader brings their own theory or perspective to the text, even if they are not consciously aware of it. The speaker uses the example of a student who judges a book by whether it makes her cry to illustrate how personal criteria can form a simple theory of enjoyment. The paragraph also introduces the idea that there are many different theories in literary criticism, and while some may not appeal to every reader, being familiar with a variety of them can enhance one's understanding and appreciation of literature. The speaker promises to provide an overview of different critical theories in upcoming videos, encouraging viewers to subscribe for further exploration of the topic.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Literary Criticism

Literary criticism refers to the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literature. It is a method of examining literature from various perspectives to uncover different meanings and insights. In the video, the concept is introduced as a way of looking at literature that can reveal different aspects, akin to viewing a mannequin from different angles to see distinct features.

💡Perspective

Perspective in the context of the video is the point of view from which literature is analyzed. It is the angle from which one interprets and evaluates a piece of literature. The script uses the metaphor of viewing a mannequin from different angles to illustrate how different perspectives can lead to varied interpretations.

💡Literature

Literature is a broad term that encompasses written works, including novels, poems, and plays. The script discusses the complexity of defining literature and its potential to be interpreted in many ways, not just as written texts but also as experiences or events that convey meaning.

💡Critique

Critique, in the video, is associated with the process of examining literature in detail. It is not necessarily negative; rather, it involves paying close attention to details to understand the work's success and meaning. The script emphasizes that critique can be positive, revealing the richness of a literary work.

💡Enrichment

Enrichment in the context of the video refers to the deepened understanding and appreciation of literature that comes from literary criticism. The script suggests that engaging with criticism can enhance one's enjoyment of literature by revealing layers of meaning and craftsmanship.

💡Art Museum Metaphor

The art museum metaphor is used in the script to illustrate the value of literary criticism. Just as knowing about art can make a visit to a museum more rewarding, understanding literary criticism can make reading literature a richer experience by revealing the craftsmanship and context of a work.

💡Craftsmanship

Craftsmanship in literature refers to the skill and technique with which a work is created. The script mentions that understanding the craftsmanship of a literary work can deepen one's appreciation for it, similar to recognizing the skill involved in creating a piece of art.

💡Historical Context

Historical context is the background of the time and place in which a literary work was created. The script suggests that understanding the historical context can enhance one's appreciation of literature by providing insight into the work's origins and significance.

💡Critical Theories

Critical theories are the various approaches and methodologies used in literary criticism. The script compares these theories to travel agencies, each offering a different perspective on how to interpret and appreciate literature.

💡Travel Guide Metaphor

The travel guide metaphor is used to describe how literary criticism can guide readers through a literary work, showing them what to look for and how to interpret it. This metaphor extends to different critical theories, which are likened to travel agencies offering unique tours of the literary landscape.

💡Validity

Validity in the context of the video pertains to the credibility and usefulness of different interpretations of literature. The script discusses that while some interpretations may be more valid from certain perspectives, the concept of a single 'right answer' in literary criticism is misleading.

💡Personal Theory

A personal theory refers to an individual's approach or criteria for interpreting and evaluating literature. The script points out that everyone has a personal theory, even if they are not consciously aware of it, and that these theories can greatly influence one's reading experience.

Highlights

Literary criticism is a perspective-based approach to analyzing literature.

Different angles of viewing can significantly alter the interpretation of a subject, as illustrated with the example of Rhiannon.

Literature encompasses a wide range of texts, including poetry, novels, and even experiences beyond traditional written works.

Criticism in literary criticism is not inherently negative but involves close attention to detail, including both flaws and successes.

Literary criticism can enhance the enjoyment and understanding of literature by revealing its underlying elements.

Students may initially resist literary criticism, fearing it diminishes the fun of literature, but it can actually enrich the experience.

Understanding art and literature is enriched by knowledge, similar to how knowing about a painting can deepen appreciation in an art museum.

Steven Lin's book 'Text and Context' offers a metaphor comparing literature to travel and literary criticism to hiring a tour guide.

Different critical theories provide various perspectives, akin to travel agencies catering to different interests.

Literary criticism allows for a range of interpretations rather than a single 'right answer'.

The validity of a literary criticism depends on its ability to be supported by evidence and its usefulness.

Even without intending to, readers inherently apply some form of theory when approaching literature.

Personal enjoyment or emotional response can serve as a simple but valid theory for judging literature.

Expanding one's perspective on literature can lead to a deeper appreciation and understanding of texts.

Students are encouraged to explore and support their own interpretations in literary criticism.

Upcoming videos will provide an overview of various literary theories to familiarize viewers with different approaches.