Critique Paper Approaches

Formalist Criticism

• Regard literature as a unique form of human knowledge.

• Examine on its own terms.

• All elements are within the work itself.

• Focus on style, structure, tone, imagery.

• Goal: identify how elements shape effects on readers.

• Example:

  • "Mary had a little lamb" as a metaphor for Christianity.

  • Lamb represents Jesus, Mary represents Mother of God.

  • Lamb's fleece (