What is Formalism in Literary Criticism? Meaning, Key Concepts, and Why Every Literature Student Needs It
What is Formalism in Literary Criticism? Meaning, Key Concepts, and Why Every Literature Student Needs It
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Understand the basics of Literary Criticism in this easy guide by ShariyaWrites. Learn about Plato, Aristotle, and the journey from Liberal Humanism to modern theory. Perfect for BA, MA, and UGC NET English Literature students.
Introduction
In our previous post, we explored the foundations of Liberal Humanism and how it shaped our early understanding of literature. Moving forward in our series, today we dive into the core of academic reading: Literary Criticism. For many, the word "criticism" sounds negative, but in the world of literature, it is the most creative and analytical tool we possess.
What is Literary Criticism?
The word "criticism" is derived from the Greek word kritikos (meaning "able to judge"). At its heart, Literary Criticism is the study, evaluation, and interpretation of literature. It is not about finding faults in a writer’s work; rather, it is about asking how and why a text works.
"If literature is a mirror to society, then Literary Criticism is the lens through which we examine that mirror. Depending on the lens (theory) you use, the reflection changes."
A well-known definition explains it clearly:
“Literary criticism is the reasoned consideration of literary works and issues.” — M.H. Abrams
In simple words, literary criticism means explaining and judging literature in a thoughtful and systematic way, not merely finding faults.
Origin of Literary Criticism
The roots of literary criticism can be traced back to Ancient Greece:
Plato: He viewed literature as imitation (mimesis) and questioned its moral impact on society.
Aristotle: He gave the first systematic theory of criticism in his seminal work Poetics, where he discussed tragedy, plot, character, and catharsis.
These classical ideas laid the foundation of literary criticism as a serious academic discipline.
Development Through the Ages
Over time, literary criticism evolved through different phases:
Classical Criticism: Focus on rules, logic, and imitation.
Neoclassical Criticism: Emphasis on order, reason, and discipline.
Romantic Criticism: Importance of imagination, nature, and emotion.
Victorian Criticism: Focused on moral and social values in literature.
Modern Criticism: Introduction of "Close Reading" and text-centered analysis.
Postmodern Criticism: Explores multiple meanings and open interpretations.
The Core Objectives of a Critic
A literary critic usually focuses on three main areas:
Interpretation: What is the deeper meaning? (e.g., examining the "death of the American Dream" in The Great Gatsby).
Evaluation: How successful is the work as a piece of art? Does it offer a new perspective?
Contextualization: How does the text sit within its time? It connects literature with society, culture, and history.
Major Literary Critics and Their Contributions
Literary criticism has developed over time through the ideas of various critics who shaped the way literature is studied and understood. Some of the most important literary critics are discussed below.
Plato (c. 428–348 BCE)
Plato viewed literature as an imitation of reality. He believed that poetry could influence emotions and morals, and therefore should be carefully controlled. His approach to criticism was mainly moral and philosophical.
Aristotle (384–322 BCE)
Aristotle is considered the father of literary criticism. In his famous work Poetics, he analysed tragedy in a systematic and scientific manner. He introduced important concepts such as plot, character, and catharsis, which remain central to literary studies.
Philip Sidney (1554–1586)
In An Apology for Poetry, Sidney defended poetry against moral criticism. According to him, literature has a dual purpose: to teach and to delight. His views helped establish poetry as a serious and valuable art form.
Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)
Samuel Johnson believed that literature should reflect real life and human nature. He emphasized balance, common sense, and moral judgement in criticism, making his approach practical and reader-friendly.
Matthew Arnold (1822–1888)
Matthew Arnold viewed literary criticism as a means of social and cultural improvement. He described criticism as a way of promoting “the best that is known and thought in the world,” connecting literature with culture and society.
Thus, literary criticism is not limited to one thinker or period; it is a continuous intellectual tradition that enriches our understanding of literature.
Importance of Literary Criticism
Literary criticism is essential because it:
Deepens our understanding of complex texts.
Develops critical and analytical thinking.
Helps students write better and more structured answers in exams.
Makes literature meaningful rather than just mechanical reading.
For UGC NET, BA, and MA students, literary criticism forms the core foundation of literary studies.
Literary Criticism and Liberal Humanism
Liberal Humanism believes that literature expresses universal human values and that a text is complete in itself. Literary criticism helps identify and explain these values by carefully analyzing the text. Thus, Liberal Humanism remains one of the most important traditional approaches within the broader field of criticism.
Personal Insight
While studying literary criticism, I realized that literature is not merely about stories or characters. It teaches us how to think, not what to think. It helped me move beyond emotional reading and develop an analytical approach. For students, especially beginners, literary criticism provides the clarity and confidence needed to tackle complex texts.
Conclusion
Literary criticism does not destroy literature; instead, it enriches and clarifies it. By studying it, readers move beyond surface meanings and begin to understand literature at a deeper intellectual level. Literature is not only to be enjoyed but also to be understood.
Suggested Reading
If you want to explore English Literature in a simple and meaningful way, you may also read:
What’s Next? In our upcoming posts, we will zoom into Formalism—focusing on form, structure, and language!
Disclaimer: Save this post! You’ll need to come back to this post at least once a week until exam day.
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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