Historical Literary Criticism: From Plato to Modern ifykyk

What foundational questions does Plato's work address?

Truth, beauty, goodness, reality, society, ontology, epistemology, ethics, and morality.

What is Plato's central doctrine in literary theory?

The doctrine of essences, Ideas, or Forms.

How does Plato view the physical world in relation to ideal Forms?

The physical world is a shadow or imitation of the ideal Forms.

What is Plato's criticism of poetry?

Poets imitate the material world, which is already an imitation of the ideal world, making them unreliable.

What does Plato believe about the role of poets in society?

Initially excludes them, but later allows some to remain for their social function of praising loyal Greeks.

What debate does Plato initiate in literary criticism?

The value of literature, its ability to communicate truth, and its societal role.

What shift does Aristotle make in literary criticism compared to Plato?

Focuses on the elements that make up a literary work rather than morality.

What is the significance of Aristotle's 'Poetics'?

It is the cornerstone of Western literary criticism.

How does Aristotle differentiate poetry from history?

Poetry represents what may happen according to probability, while history reports what has happened.

What is Aristotle's definition of tragedy?

A systematic analysis of how poetry works, addressing Plato's accusations.

What principle does Horace establish regarding literary taste?

Poets should imitate classical writers and treat traditional subjects uniquely.

What does 'dulce et utile' mean in Horace's literary philosophy?

Literature should be sweet and useful, combining instruction and amusement.

What is Longinus's main focus in literary criticism?

The concept of the sublime.

What does Longinus believe is necessary for a critic?

A critic must be extremely well-read to judge literature accurately.

How does Longinus connect literary greatness to the reader?

The response of a learned audience helps determine a text's value.

What is Dante's contribution to literary criticism?

Advocating for the vernacular as an appropriate language for literature.

What impact did Dante have on literary participation?

His defense of vernacular language expanded literary participation beyond elite languages.

What is Sidney's significance in English literary criticism?

He is the first great English critic-poet and author of 'An Apology for Poetry.'

What requirements does Sidney add to Aristotelian tragedy?

Unity of action, time, and place.

What ideals does John Dryden embody in his criticism?

The ideals of the Neoclassical period.

What does Aristotle argue about the nature of poetry?

Poetry is more philosophical and universal than history.

What literary forms does Aristotle analyze?

Epic poetry, tragedy, comedy, and dithyrambic poetry.

What does Longinus believe about the sublime?

It is what remains powerful under repeated examination and leaves a strong memory.

What does Horace say about the poet's greatest reward?

Public admiration.

What does Sidney argue about the instructive nature of literary genres?

All genres are instructive, but poetry excels above them.

What is the significance of the 'sublime' in Longinus's criticism?

It foreshadows later approaches like New Criticism and reader-response criticism.

Who is considered to have improved English meter and refined language during the Neoclassical period?

John Dryden

What is the title of John Dryden's major critical work?

An Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668)

What are the key characteristics favored by John Dryden in literary works?

Politesse, clarity, order, decorum, elegance, cleverness, and wit.

Which classical writers does Alexander Pope consider the golden age of criticism?

Homer, Aristotle, Horace, and Longinus.

What does Pope believe a good poet needs?

Natural genius, knowledge of the classics, and understanding of poetic rules.

What poetic structure became a standard during Pope's time?

The heroic couplet.

What does William Wordsworth emphasize in his vision of poetry?

Common incidents and situations using everyday language.

How does Wordsworth redefine good poetry?

As the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.

What does Hippolyte Adolphe Taine identify as four major influences on literature?

Race, milieu, moment, and dominant faculty.

What is Taine's major contribution to literary analysis?

The historical approach to literary analysis in 'The History of English Literature' (1863).

What does Matthew Arnold argue about the best poetry?

It contains truth and seriousness and serves as a standard for moral excellence.

How does Henry James define the value of a novel?

By the intensity of the impression it creates.

What does James reject about the Romantic notion of reading?

The idea that readers should suspend disbelief.

What marks the transition in literary criticism after the deaths of Arnold and James?

A fragmentation and diversification of literary theory and criticism.

What does modern literary criticism emphasize?

Multiple schools of thought and diverse methods of analysis.

What does Dryden's criticism emphasize?

Discipline, order, correctness, and refined literary expression.

What is the role of the critic according to Pope?

To validate and preserve classical values despite cultural change.

What does Wordsworth believe about the poet's relationship with readers?

The poet speaks to others and invites readers to judge through their own feelings.

What does Taine argue is necessary for understanding a literary text?

Examining the author's inner psyche and environmental causes.

What does Arnold seek in determining the excellence of poetry?

Objective criteria for seriousness and moral standards.

What is the significance of the organic nature of art according to Henry James?

It develops according to its own principles and themes.

What does Wordsworth's emphasis on emotion lead to in literary theory?

The expressive school of literary theory.

What are the characteristics of modern criticism?

Diversification into multiple schools and methods.

What is the impact of Dryden on Neoclassical literary taste?

He helps shape critical standards emphasizing order and refinement.

How does Taine's approach connect literature with broader contexts?

By linking literature with author, culture, history, and social environment.