Lesson 1 LITERARY CRITICISM Literary Criticism is the comparison, analysis, interpretation, and/or evaluation of works of literature. Literary criticism is essentially an opinion, supported by evidence, relating to theme, style, setting, or historical or political context. Similar to literary theory, which provides a broader philosophical framework for how to analyze literature, literary criticism offers readers new ways to understand an author’s work. Purposes of Literary Criticism Literary criticism broadens a reader’s understanding of an author’s work by summarizing, interpreting, and exploring its value. After giving the text a close reading, a critic formulates a comprehensive literary analysis that can inform or challenge another reader’s understanding of the text. The practice of literary criticism creates space for readers to better understand the beauty and complexity of the world through literature. Benefits of Literary Criticism Literary criticism expands your worldview. It helps you to better understand literature. It creates opportunities for new styles of writing. Contemporary Trends/Theories and Approaches in Literature 1. Formalistic Literary Theory It has the “art for art’s sake dictum”. It emphasizes the value of literature apart from its context. Virtually, all critical approaches here. Addressed the following points: a. Literal Level b. Affective Values c. Technical Values d. Total Effect e. Comparison and contrast of the Text or Genre to Others 2. Moral, Humanistic or Affective Theory The nature of man is central to literature; thus, this theory is close to the “morality” of literature and to question of ethical goodness and badness. It believes that a work of arts should arouse in the reader a definite, calculate emotion. It tries to encourage a deep strong sense of awareness in the reader; this affective or humanistic state may lead to action. 3. Historical Approach It is the “moment-milieu race” since literature is both a reflection and a product off the time and circumstances in which it was written. Some questions: a. What particular historical event gave impetus to such motives, conflicts of the character? b. What major historical change/s is reflected/ overshadowed in the setting of the story? c. In what period was the piece written? 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. d. How does such historical even affect the chain of events or plot in the story? Psychological Approach It considers literature as the expression of personality, inner drives, neurosis, etc. It also includes the psychology of the author, of the characters, and the psychology of creation. Sample question: What kind of personality does a particular behavioral problem/s of a specific character display? Impressionistic Approach Characterized by the following: 1. Very personal, relative and sometimes fruitful 2. There is an impact of the piece as a whole and the piece communicated matter most. 3. Reaction-response of the reader 4. Misconceptions or new insights being talked about Questions: a. How did the reader find the story? b. How does the reader assess the theme of the story? c. Have the reader/s react on a particular line of the character or some passages for statement for evaluation, analysis, and judgment. Feminist Theory It is addressed on how the idea of “womanhood” was interpreted and how women are subjected to their endeavors. Questions: a. Are women treated equally as men? b. Is there form of suppressions, deprivations and the like, present unreasonably to women and the context of its happening? Sociological or Political Trend This considers literature as the expression of man within a given social situation. The social situation is then reduced to a question of “economics” an it stresses social relevance and social commitment. Questions: a. What nature of social or political conflict can be found or traced in the story/ b. How are the people treated in context of social standing? c. Is there oppression, discrimination, and other forms of injustice present? d. How are these injustices addressed/solved/ Cultural approach This considers literature as one of the principal manifestation and vehicles of a nation or race’s culture and tradition. This theory goes by the dictum “culture teaching through literature”. Questions: a. What culture is manifested in reading the selection? b. What specific culture of the people or time is expressed in character’s action? c. What are reveled by the following: setting, characters, plot? Lesson 2 SCHOOLS OF LITERARY CRITICISM A. Rhetorical Focuses on the persuasive elements of language and how they contribute to the overall impact of a literary work, examining the use of rhetoric, style, and language choices. How arguments are presented, attitudes struck, evidence marshaled, various appeals made to the reader these all are relevant. "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech B. Stylistics Style is the manner in which something is presented. This approach concentrates on the peculiarities of diction and imagery employed, sometimes relating them to literary and social theory. "So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby” C. Metaphorical Examines the symbolic and figurative language used in literature, emphasizing the role of metaphors in conveying deeper meanings and enhancing the reader's understanding. Metaphors are not regarded as supporting or decorative devices, but actually constituting the meaning. "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I— I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.” Robert Frost's "The Road Not Taken" D. Freudian Applies Freudian psychoanalytic theories to interpret literature, emphasizing the influence of unconscious desires, conflicts, and symbolism. Not only is the diction examined for sexual imagery, but the whole work is seen through Freudian concepts: struggles of the super-ego, the Oedipus complex, with the repressed contents of consciousness, etc. The aim is illumination of psychic conflicts, not aesthetic ranking. "To be or not to be: that is the question.” Shakespeare's "Hamlet" E. Jungian Utilizes Carl Jung's theories to analyze literature, emphasizing archetypes, collective unconscious elements, and symbolic motifs. Jungians search for recurring poetic images, symbols and situations in poems, but their aim is not to categorize poems as Northrop Frye does but to relate them to larger patterns in society, whether native peoples or high civilizations. "Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and above all, those who live without love.” J.K. Rowling's "Harry Potter" series F. Biographical Considers the author's life, experiences, and personal background as significant factors in interpreting their literary works. As with the historical approach, a poem may be used to illuminate the writer's psychology, or as biographic data. No less than the correspondence, remembered conversations, choice of reading matter, the poem is analyzed for relevance to its author. "I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.” Sylvia Plath's "The Bell Jar" G. Moralist Examines the ethical and moral dimensions within literature, focusing on characters' choices and actions to derive moral messages or lessons. Literature has a humanizing or civilizing mission, and the critic values work which furthers that end: promotes tolerance, social justice, sensitivity to individual wishes and talents, etc. "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” George Orwell's "Animal Farm" H. Cognitive Scientific Applies principles from cognitive science to literature, exploring how the human mind processes and comprehends literary texts, including aspects such as memory, perception, and emotional responses. "I want you always to remember me. Will you remember that I existed, and that I stood next to you here like this?” Haruki Murakami's "Norwegian Wood" Lesson 3 INTEGRATED APPROACH IN LITERARY CRITICISM The Lost Generation by Renato de Guzman Rosales and Donna de Guzman-Alilin What is the Integrated Approach? It refers to the practice of employing multiple perspectives, theories, and methods to analyze and interpret a literary work. Instead of relying on a single theoretical framework or approach, scholars and critics adopt a more comprehensive strategy that incorporates various elements to gain a deeper understanding of the text. This approach acknowledges the complexity of literature and recognizes that different aspects of a work may be better understood through different lenses. “The purpose of reading is not only for developing comprehension but also for analysis, evaluation and judgement. The Integrated Approach will serve as a guide to Active/Critical Reading”. What is Active Reading? Reacting to and interacting with the writing; it means reading the piece several times, examining it in detail each time. A context is established, the structure is identified, key ideas are focused and responding to the material are considered. Guidelines for Active Reading 1. Establishing a Context -What is going on? -Who is the person involved? -When did it happen? 2. Identifying the Structure -How the writing was set up? -Examining the introduction, body and conclusion. 3. Focusing on Key Ideas -What support does the writer offer? -Identifying the topic sentences of various paragraphs. 4. Responding to the Material. -What do you think of the piece? -What thematic concept does it entail? Lesson 4 LANGUAGE IN LITERATURE Language is a system of communication that uses symbols, such as words and gestures, to convey meaning. Literature refers to written or spoken works, often considered as an art form, that use language to express ideas, emotions, and stories. Language in Literature - It refers to the use of words, sentences, and linguistic elements as a medium for artistic expression in written or spoken form. In literature, language serves as a powerful tool for creating imagery, establishing tone, developing characters, and conveying complex themes. The intricate use of language in literature goes beyond everyday speech aiming to evoke aesthetic and emotional responses from readers, making the literary work an art form in itself. Critical Reading and Thinking in the Language Critical Reading - Is evaluating written material-comparing the ides discovered in the material with known standards and drawing conclusions about their accuracy, appropriateness, and timeliness. Critical Thinking - Involves the ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate texts with a discerning and reflective mindset. Consider the following for Critical Reading and thinking purpose 1. Author’s purpose - Critical reader will try to determine whether the author write the material to inform, to entertain, to persuade, or for some other purposes. 2. The Author’s Point of View - Critical reader will want to know if the writer belongs to a group, lives in an area, or being held a strong view that would tend to bias any opinions about a subject. 3. The Author’s Style and Technique in Writing - The manner which he/she uses vocabulary, figurative language, and use of emotional words to sway the reader toward or away from a point of view or attitude. Lesson 5 CHARACTERISTICS OF LITERARY THEORY What is Contemporary Literary Theory? - Is not a single thing but a collection of theoretical approaches which are marked by a number of premises, although not all of the theoretical approaches share or agree on all of them. Literary Theory Checklist - Typically refers to a set of criteria or a list of elements that readers, critics, or scholars use to evaluate or analyze a piece of literature. Literary checklist Functions of Language and the Text itself - This involves analyzing how language is used in the text, considering its functions in conveying meaning, creating atmosphere, and evoking emotions. Example questions How does the author use language to convey emotions or establish a particular atmosphere in the text? What stylistic devices, such as metaphors or symbolism, contribute to the overall meaning of the work? Nature of the Subject - Examining the content and theme of the literary work, this element delves into the subject matter, exploring the ideas, concepts, or events presented in the text and their significance. Example questions What themes or ideas are explored in the text, and how are they developed? How does the subject matter contribute to the overall message or purpose of the literary work? The Relation of the Author to the Text - This focuses on the connection between the author and the literary work, exploring how the author's personal experiences, beliefs, and perspectives may influence or shape the creation of the text. Example questions In what ways do the author's personal experiences or beliefs manifest in the characters or themes of the text? How does the author's background influence the perspective or tone of the work? The Relation of the Author and Text to Society - Analyzing how the author and the literary work interact with the broader social and cultural context. This element considers how societal norms, values, and issues are reflected or commented upon in the text. Example questions What is the relation of the author and text to society? How does it relate to entertainment and cultural practices? The Writer’s Life and Times - Considering the biographical and historical context of the author's life, this element explores how external factors, such as historical events and cultural movements, may have influenced the writing of the text. Example questions What kind of a person is / was the author? How does this work fit to the literary piece produced by said author? What other works were produced by other writers at that time? The Reader - Examining the role of the reader in the interpretation of the text. This involves considering how different readers might engage with and interpret the work based on their perspectives, experiences, and cultural background. Example questions How does the work make you feel? Does the literary piece remind you of an incident or person in your life? What do you like / dislike most about the work? Why? What is your overall response to this piece? The Work Itself - Focusing on the literary work independently of external factors, this element involves a close analysis of the text's internal components, such as plot, characters, style, and language. It emphasizes the intrinsic qualities that contribute to the work's artistic and literary merit. Example questions How is the work organized into chapters or acts or stanzas or parts? What does the title suggest about the events in the story? What does the work say about people in general?
