Approaches to Literary Criticism

Different approaches to literary criticism are lenses or filters through which we examine and interpret text. The type of criticism used colors the analysis of a literary work just as a colored filter alters the appearance of an image or scene. Text does not exist in a vacuum. It is triune: the world behind the text (the author), the world of the text, and the world in front of the text (the reader). A truly balanced interpretation should consider all three of these, but in reality most critical evaluations Reader Text concentrate on one or two. Critics are usually eclectic in their approach, combining bits and pieces of several critical types to develop an impression of the overall value and effect of a work. It is often interesting to reread a work in light of a particular critical type because it sometimes yields an entirely new perspective on the piece. Author Until lions tell their stories, tales of hunting will glorify the hunter. - African proverb

Archetypal Criticism
Archetypal criticism analyzes themes, character types, and images (motifs) that are identifiable in a wide variety of works and genres. These archetypes reflect universal values, patterns, or interests and therefore evoke a strong response from readers. Archetypal themes include the conflict of good and evil, the quest, self-sacrifice, and rite of passage. Character archetypes include the hero, the scapegoat, youngest son, and the beautiful/kind princess. The death and rebirth theme is often called the archetype of all archetypes.

Feminist Criticism
This approach to criticism focuses on the relationship between genders that is expressed in the work. It examines patterns of thought, behavior, values, enfranchisement, and relationships, all in the light of gender. It is similar to Marxist Criticism which examines all these factors in light of economics and class.

Marxist (or Sociological) Criticism

The Marxist or sociological critic bases his analysis on the political, social, and economical aspects of a work. In other words, the critic looks at the roles of power, class, and money, e.g. Who has the power/money, who doesnt, and what happens as a result? The determination of quality is irrevocably tied to the ideology expressed in the piece.

New Criticism
This approach deals primarily with the interaction of words, figures of speech, and symbols. It sees literature as independent and self-sufficient. New critics regard the psychology of the author, social background, and literary history as invalid assessments or considerations in assessing the meaning, worth, or impact of a piece of literature. It emphasizes form and precise meaning of the words themselves.

Psychological Criticism
The psychological critic sees a work primarily as an expression of the personality, desires, state of mind, and emotions of the author. Character and plot are analyzed and used to draw conclusions about the psyche of the author at the time of the writing.

Reader Response Criticism

This approach to criticism focuses on the activity of reading rather than on any one critical theory. It sees the connection between a readers life and experiences to the written word as of ultimate importance rather than the features of the work itself. These critics believe that literature does not have an objective meaning in itself, but all meaning is relevant to the experiences, beliefs, thoughts, and expectations of the reader.

Structural Criticism
Structural criticism is concerned with the underlying structure of the story and derives from anthropological studies. It assumes that most narratives have a basic, deep structure that most often conforms to the duality of nature, e.g., the yin and yang, good and evil. The structural critic refers to this as harmony and disharmony, contending that harmony is destroyed at the beginning of the narrative, and the rest of the story deals with the struggle to restore harmony.

Sources:
Appleman, Deborah. Literary Theories: A Sampling of Critical Lenses. Carleton College. Accessed on 10 July 2006. <http://www.carleton.edu/departments/edst/faculty/Appleman/Handouts/Glasses.html> Murfin, Ross C. and Supriya M. Ray. The Bedford Glossary of Critical and Literary Terms, 2nd ed.. New York : Bedford/St. Martins, 2003.