What is Formalism in Literary Criticism? Meaning, Key Concepts, and Why Every Literature Student Needs It

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Liberal Humanism: Meaning, Features, Critics and Importance in Literary Criticism

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 Liberal Humanism is a major literary theory in English Literature. This blog explains its meaning, origin, key thinkers like Terry Eagleton, and its relevance for UGC NET students in simple language with personal insights.


Liberal Humanism

Liberal Humanism: Meaning, Features and Its Place in Literary Criticism

When I first started studying English Literature seriously, I realised one thing very clearly —
literature is not just about texts, theories, or critics; it is about humans.
And this is exactly where Liberal Humanism finds its relevance.

Liberal Humanism is one of the earliest and most influential approaches to literary criticism. It does not treat literature as a political weapon or a historical document; rather, it sees literature as an expression of human nature, emotions, moral values, and lived experiences.

What is Liberal Humanism?

Liberal Humanism is a modern literary critical approach that focuses on the study of human beings through literature.
It believes that literature helps us understand life, society, and human relationships by reflecting universal human experiences.

In simple words,
👉 the study of human values, emotions, and moral consciousness through literary texts is called Liberal Humanism.

Every literary theory has its own origin and purpose, but Liberal Humanism stands out because it emphasises the inner life of human beings rather than external forces like politics, ideology, or history.

Core Belief of Liberal Humanism

Liberal Humanism is based on the idea that:

  • Literature is a moral and ethical force

  • Literature shapes human sensibility

  • Human nature is central to understanding any literary text

It studies not only human virtues but also human flaws and their impact on society. This approach believes that literature can make society better by cultivating empathy, sensitivity, and moral awareness.

Key Features of Liberal Humanism

Some important features of Liberal Humanism are:

  • Focus on human values and morality

  • Literature is treated as a civilising force

  • Emphasis on close reading of the text

  • Avoidance of political, historical, or ideological interpretations

  • Belief in the universality of human experience

  • Importance of language and literary form

This is why Liberal Humanism became a foundation stone of literary criticism before the rise of modern critical theories.

Terry Eagleton on Liberal Humanism


Terry Eagleton on Liberal Humanism


Terry Eagleton critically observes Liberal Humanism and says:

“The truth is that liberal humanism is at once largely ineffectual and the best ideology of the ‘human’ that present bourgeois society can muster.”


This statement shows that while Liberal Humanism may seem limited in addressing political realities, it still remains one of the strongest ideologies that places humanity at the centre of literature.

Pioneers and Contributors of Liberal Humanism

F. D. Maurice (1840)

F. D. Maurice emphasised the importance of language through literature.
He believed that the real motive behind literature is not mere entertainment but understanding human life and implementing human values in society.

I. A. Richards

In his work Practical Criticism (1929), I. A. Richards gave importance to close and precise reading of the text, without depending heavily on historical or biographical context.
For him, literature trained the human mind and emotions.

Other Major Contributors

  • F. R. Leavis

  • Q. D. Leavis

  • Dr. Samuel Johnson

  • Matthew Arnold

  • T. S. Eliot

All of them developed their critical models independently but shared a common belief — literature must enrich human life.

Why Liberal Humanism Still Matters

In an age where literature is often reduced to trends, algorithms, and instant consumption, Liberal Humanism reminds us that:

"Literature is an emotion, not a burden."


It encourages readers to slow down, reflect, and engage deeply with texts.
For students of English Literature and UGC NET aspirants, Liberal Humanism is not just a theory — it is a starting point to understand literature as a living human experience.

Personal Insight

While preparing notes and reading criticism, I often feel that Liberal Humanism connects literature with life in the most honest way.
It does not demand ideological loyalty; it demands human sensitivity.

Perhaps that is why literature, at its core, survives — not because of theories, but because it speaks to humans.

Conclusion

Thus, Liberal Humanism emerged as an important theory in the field of literary criticism by placing humanity, morality, and ethical consciousness at the heart of literature.
It laid the foundation for literary studies and continues to influence how we read and understand texts even today.

🔹 Suggested Reading

If you want to explore English Literature in a simple and meaningful way, you may also read:

✨ If you want to read more about English Literature, literary forms, genres, and critical approaches, stay connected with ShariyaWrites.

What’s Next? In our upcoming posts, we will zoom into the Formalism – focus on form, structure, and language!

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🔹 About the Author

ShariyaWrites believes that literature is not a burden to memorize, but an emotion to understand. Through blogs, reels, and videos, she simplifies English Literature for students and readers who want to connect texts with life.
🔗 Explore more of her work here:

https://linktr.ee/shariyawrites

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