Criticism refers to the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of literature. Literary criticism may involve examining various elements of a literary text, such as its themes, characters, style, and structure. Critics can use different critical theories and approaches to analyze and interpret literature.
Therefore, literature and criticism have a close and important relationship:
1. Criticism Helps Interpret Literature: Criticism provides tools and frameworks for readers to analyze and understand the deeper meanings and complexities of literary texts. Critics may offer different interpretations of a work based on their chosen critical approaches.
2. Broadens Appreciation: Engaging with literary criticism can encourage readers to explore fresh perspectives and deeper layers of a work, enabling them to appreciate literature more fully.
3. Cultural Significance: Criticism helps unpack the cultural and historical context of literary works, which deepens the readers' understanding of how literature interacts with various societal aspects.
4. Evaluation and Judgment: Criticism includes an evaluative component. Critics engage in assessing literary quality and determining the achievements of particular literary works.
5. Debate and Dialogue: Criticisms can create dialogue within the literary community. Different critical readings of a piece of literature encourage debate and diverse viewpoints.
6. Evolution of Thought: Literary criticism has evolved over time as new critical theories and movements emerge. These changes in critical perspectives impact the ways in which readers consider and understand literature.
Overall, literature and criticial practice work together to foster a better understanding, appreciation, and discussion of literary works among readers and literary scholar.