SLM-Literary Criticism

Page 1 - Title and Publisher Information

  • Course Title: Literary Criticism (ENG4B06) Self Learning Material

  • Semester: IV Semester B.A. English Literature (2019 Admission)

  • University: University of Calicut

  • Department: School of Distance Education

  • Address: Calicut University P.O. Malappuram - 673 635, Kerala

Page 2 - Author and Contributors

  • Prepared by: Smt. Smitha N., Assistant Professor of English

  • Scrutinized by: Dr. Muhammed Noufal K., Assistant Professor, Department of English

  • Disclaimer: Authors are responsible for the content and views expressed.

Page 3 - Contents Overview

  1. Introduction

  2. Objectives of the Course

  3. Module 1: Classical Literary Criticism

  4. Module 2: English Literary Criticism (17th to 19th Century)

  5. Module 3: Literary Criticism (20th Century)

  6. Module 4: Glossary

  7. References

Page 5 - Introduction to the Course

  • Comprehensive view of both Eastern and Western literary criticism.

  • Survey of key movements, writers, and concepts throughout history.

  • Focus on major theories from Plato to modern critiques.

  • Aim to cultivate philosophical and critical skills in students.

Objectives of the Course

  • Understanding significant texts and movements in literary criticism.

  • Examining how literary criticism influences literature and culture.

  • Critiquing major arguments in literary criticism.

  • Relating literary criticism to historical contexts in both Eastern and Western philosophies.

Page 6 - Module 1: Classical Literary Criticism Introduction

  • Emergence of literary criticism alongside poetic works in Western traditions.

  • Criticial figures like Plato who sought to define literature's artistic and ideological roles.

  • Questions addressed include literature's relation to reality and its impact on society.

Plato's Role in Literary Criticism

  • First systematic critic in literature; disciple of Socrates.

  • Works: Primarily expressed ideas through dialogues and platonic discussions.

Plato’s Views on Art

  • Art as a copy of reality, doubly removed from truth; ultimately flawed due to its imitative nature.

  • Art (including literature) may mislead people and divert attention from philosophical truths.

Plato's Condemnation of Poetry

  1. Poetic Inspiration: Spontaneous outpourings are unreliable.

  2. Emotional Appeal: Engages emotions rather than reason; can disrupt moral integrity.

  3. Non-moral nature: Portrayal of vices in gods and heroes, leading to moral corruption.

The Functions of Poetry According to Plato

  • Merely for pleasure without moral guidance is insufficient; true art must align with moral and philosophical truths.

Comments on Drama

  • Similar critiques apply; however, he stresses the harm that impersonation of evil characters can cause actors, tainting their character.

Aristotle's Criticism

  • Criticized Plato's views, advocating for the importance and educational aspect of tragedy.

  • Placed emphasis on the 'imitation' aspect of poetry, which expresses universal truths about life.

  • Distinction between poetry's emotional appeal and historical recounting.

Aristotle’s Definition of Tragedy

  • Defined tragedy as an imitation of serious action leading to emotional catharsis through pity and fear.

  • Importance of plot and character; unity of action is paramount.

Page 34 - Module 2: English Literary Criticism (16th to 19th Century)

Renaissance Influence

  • A cultural rebirth focused on classical works, emphasizing humanism and creativity.

  • Growth of vernacular literature and restoration of classical traditions to the forefront.

Puritan Critique on Poetry

  • Opposition led by figures like Stephen Gosson against the perceived moral degradation incited by poetic and dramatic works.

  • Responses from writers like Sidney emphasized the necessity of poetry and its historical roots through a defense.

Philosophical Theories of Poetry

Sidney’s Defense

  • Historical importance of poetry and its divine purpose; a creative outlet that transcends mere imitation.

  • Classification of poetry into various types, considering poetry as a greater truth-telling mechanism than philosophy or history.

Dryden’s Views

  • Integrated earlier classical critiques with modern interpretations.

  • Advocated for the necessity of the moral dimension within poetry and drama.

Page 72 - Module 3 - 20th Century Literary Criticism

T.S. Eliot's Influence

  • Modernist perspectives prioritizing traditional elements rather than individual genius; emphasized historical influence.

  • Introduced critical concepts such as 'objective correlative' and 'dissociation of sensibility'.

Russian Formalism and New Criticism

  • Focus on the text's intrinsic qualities over external influences.

  • Emphasis on 'close reading' to discern meaning, parsing language use and structure to understand literary value.

Conclusion on Literary Movements

  • A summary of Renaissance, Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Modernism, and the transitions towards contemporary approaches, highlighting influence, criticism, and literary evolution.