The Theory of Literary Criticism

Literary theory is the systematic study of all the techniques for studying literature and the various ways in which literature is presented to the reader. The literary theories include critical theory, structuralism, and postmodernism.

Literary Theory refers to those writings which can be classified as literature, even though they were not written by an author of the first rank or the writer himself. It is a science which is concerned with the different types of literary works which are present in our literature today. The literary theory can be categorized into four sub-systems, namely:

A. Critical literary theory

This is the most radical form of literary theory. It regards literature as a medium through which truth and reality can be perceived and understood.

B. The Postmodern literary theory

C. Constructivist literary theory

D. Aesthetic literary theory

E. Symbolist literary theoryP5} I. Postmodern literary theory

J. Poststructuralistic literary theory

K. Aesthetic literary theory

L. Literary theories of authorship

I. Allowing the author’s name to dictate what constitutes a literary work is not necessary. The presence of a story, character, setting, characters, and other elements within the text which make up a story is enough to make the work a literary one. II. Reading works in translation is essential. Reading a literary work from a second or third language would do as well, especially if this will help you understand the meaning better.

III. The study of literature must include the study of the various cultural forms of literature and the way these forms relate to one another. An analysis of how the literary forms of a culture relate to each other is also important. IV. The study of literature can be separated into two branches, namely: historical and cultural.

The literature is divided into two branches: historical and cultural. The historical branch of literature studies the works that are produced before the nineteenth century and the cultural branch of literature studies the works produced after the nineteenth century. V. Analysis of literature is also an important part of criticism, as it enables readers to see how literature can be interpreted and appreciated.

VI. Literary theory involves the study of the role of the critic. The criticism of literature allows the writer and reader to come to a deeper understanding of the text and the author’s position as well as the genre of the literary work.

VII. The theory of the critic entails an explanation of what kind of reader is involved in the making of a literary work. VIII. The theory of the critic should have a definite structure.

IX. Theory of literary criticism helps to develop the understanding of the text. Interpretation of texts is the responsibility of the critic and an important aspect of the literary critic. X. The theories of literary critics should be based on the structure and content of the texts.

XI. The theory of literary criticism is the study of the reader. The literary critic has to be able to interpret the work and its meaning so that a proper understanding of the text can be reached.

XII. There are three basic parts to literature – the author, the text, and the audience. XIIA. There are five basic parts of the literary text, namely the author, the story, the characters, the reader, and the text itself.

XIIII. The role of literary theories in the development of the author and his or her work is to encourage the creation of a work which will have a positive effect on society. XIII. The study of literature requires the understanding of the elements that make up literature.

XIV. The study of literary theory helps writers and readers to understand the importance of literature in the modern world. XVIII. The role of literary theory should be such that it helps people to develop their creativity and imagination. XVI. The theories of literary theory should help people become conscious of their own creativity and their ability to write.

XVIII. Theory of literary criticism should also help to create a feeling of camaraderie between writers and readers. XVIBI. It should encourage the writing of a work that will be read.