Here's a breakdown of how some common types of criticism can be thought of as approaching a conclusion:
* Formalist Criticism: Focuses on the internal elements of the text (structure, language, imagery, etc.). Its conclusion often revolves around how these elements work together to create meaning and effect.
* Historical Criticism: Examines the text within its historical context. Its conclusion may be about how the text reflects the society, culture, and ideas of its time and how it might have been received by its original audience.
* Psychological Criticism: Analyzes characters and their motivations through a psychological lens. Its conclusions often relate to character development, subconscious desires, and the interplay of personality and environment.
* Feminist Criticism: Examines the role of gender in literature and society. Its conclusion might highlight how power imbalances and societal expectations are represented in the text and how these factors influence characters and narratives.
* Postcolonial Criticism: Explores the impact of colonialism on literature and culture. Its conclusion might reveal how the text reflects or challenges colonial power structures and how it depicts the experiences of colonized people.
It's important to remember that:
* No single type of criticism is inherently "correct" or "better" than others. Each approach offers unique insights and perspectives.
* Literary criticism is an ongoing dialogue. New schools of thought emerge and existing approaches evolve over time.
* The "conclusion" of literary criticism isn't about finding one definitive answer. Instead, it's about engaging with the text in a meaningful way, generating new interpretations, and fostering deeper understanding of the work and its significance.
Ultimately, the value of literary criticism lies in its ability to enrich our engagement with literature, inspire critical thinking, and spark new ideas and perspectives.