When you use criticism about a literary work in paper that is what kind of source?

Criticism about a literary work in a paper is considered a secondary source.

Here's why:

* Primary sources are original materials directly related to the topic. In literature, this would be the literary work itself (the novel, poem, play, etc.).

* Secondary sources analyze, interpret, or evaluate primary sources. Literary criticism falls into this category because it examines and comments on the literary work, providing insights and perspectives.

Think of it this way:

* Primary source: The novel "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.

* Secondary source: An essay discussing Austen's use of irony in "Pride and Prejudice".

So, when you use criticism about a literary work in your paper, you are using a secondary source to support your arguments and analysis of the primary source (the literary work itself).