Lesson - 1 : d07111

Literary Criticism

    This lesson gives an introduction to the field of literary criticism. Literary criticism is a field that is fast growing today and also helping the growth of literature. Today we have access to a lot of information in various forms such as books and the internet. Streamlining this information is where literary criticism comes into play. Criticism can also be a scientific study of literature.

    John Dryden was one of the first to use the term “criticism” in the 18th century. But Francis Bacon in the 16th century was the first to use the term “critic”. Professor Gnanasambandham was the first to use the term “Thiranaaivu” in the year 1953.

    Va.Ve.Su Iyer’s book on “Kamba Ramayanam A Study” not only describes the greatness of the Ramayana but also the techniques handled by Kambar in composing the Ramayanam. Others such as AC Paul Nadar, TK Chidambara Naatha Mudaliar and MM Ismail have also written about the Kamba Ramayanam. Hence there are various critical assessments and explanations of literary works.

    T.S. Eliot and Rene Wellek emphasize the point that literary critics should bring out the truth in a faithful manner. Criticism should also act as a growth catalyst. This is the basis of literary criticism. The role of a critic is to clear any doubt that arise when reading the work.

    Literature or literary works form the basis of any literary criticism. Literature describes and characterizes day to day life. Literature is written for others to read and enjoy it. When attempting literary criticism, one also has to describe the period of the poet as well as give a brief introduction to the poet. Three basic elements that form a good literary work are the author, the reader and the literary critic.

    The literary critic is responsible for removing the gap between the author and the reader. Literary criticism increases the ability of the reader in many ways. He (the critic) also acts as a bridge between the author and the reader.

    This lesson has given us an introduction to the field of literary criticism. The role the critic plays has also been discussed. The critic should bring out the truth in a fair and truthful manner. So on reading this lesson one can get a fair introduction to this wide field.