Literary Criticism
What Is Literary Criticism?
Literary criticism is the art of looking closely at a story, poem, or play. Critics ask questions about characters, plot, language, and the ideas the work shares. By examining these parts, they discover deeper meanings and explain why a piece of writing matters.
Why It Matters
Understanding criticism helps you become a better reader and writer. It teaches you to notice details, think about different viewpoints, and express your thoughts clearly. When you can discuss a book’s strengths and weaknesses, you join a conversation that has lasted for centuries.
How to Start Analyzing
- Read Carefully – Take notes on characters, setting, and any striking phrases.
- Ask Questions – What is the main theme? How do the characters change? Why did the author choose this style?
- Use Evidence – Support your ideas with quotes or specific scenes.
- Consider Context – Think about the time period, the author’s life, and the audience.
- Write Your Thoughts – Organize your ideas into a clear paragraph: introduction, evidence, and conclusion.
Practice these steps with any book you read, and you’ll see how much richer the story becomes.