Assignment major :- 15
College :- Maharanishree Nandkuvarba Mahila arts & commerce College
Name :- Gohil Niraliba virendrasinh
Year :- T.y B.A Sem - 6
Subject :- English
Paper Name :- foundation of literacy. criticism
Credit :- 4
Professor Name :- shivani ma'am
* CLASS ASSIGNMENT
Topic :-
literary theory and criticism an introduction , definition and scope of literacy theory.
• Introduction
Literary theory and criticism are essential parts of literary studies. They help readers to understand, interpret, and evaluate literary works in a deeper and more meaningful way. Instead of reading literature only for enjoyment, these approaches encourage us to think critically about texts, their meanings, and their connection to society, culture, and human experience
• Definition of Literary Theory
Literary theory is the systematic study of the principles, ideas, and methods used to analyze and interpret literature. It provides various frameworks or perspectives through which a reader can understand a literary text.
Different theorists have contributed to literary theory, such as Plato, who viewed literature as imitation of reality, and Aristotle, who considered literature as a form of artistic expression with structure and purpose.
• Definition of Literary Criticism
Literary criticism is the practical application of literary theory to analyze, interpret, and evaluate specific literary works such as poems, novels, and plays.
It involves:
Close reading of texts
Interpretation of meaning
Evaluation of literary quality
• Scope of Literary Theory and Criticism
The scope of literary theory and criticism is very wide, as it covers various aspects of literature and its relation to life.
1. Deep Understanding of Literature
Literary theory and criticism help readers go beyond the surface meaning of a text and explore its deeper meanings, symbols, and themes. It allows readers to understand not just what is written, but why and how it is written.
2. Multiple Interpretations
One of the most important aspects is that literature can have multiple meanings. Different theories provide different interpretations of the same text.
For example:
A feminist approach focuses on gender roles
A Marxist approach focuses on class and society
A psychoanalytic approach focuses on human psychology
Thus, literary theory opens up various perspectives.
3. Evaluation of Literary Works
Literary criticism helps in evaluating the quality and value of a literary work. It allows readers and critics to judge whether a work is effective, meaningful, or significant.
4. Relationship Between Literature and Society
Literature is closely connected with society. Literary theory and criticism explore how literature reflects:
Culture
History
Politics
Social conditions
It helps in understanding how literature both influences and is influenced by society.
5. Development of Critical Thinking
These approaches develop analytical and critical thinking skills. Readers learn to question, interpret, and form independent opinions about literary texts.
6. Interdisciplinary Nature
Literary theory is not limited to literature alone. It is influenced by other disciplines such as:
Psychology
Sociology
Philosophy
Linguistics
This makes literary studies broader and more meaningful.
7. Study of Language and Style
Literary criticism focuses on how language is used in literature. It examines:
Figures of speech
Symbolism
Narrative techniques
This helps in understanding how meaning is created through language.
8. Role of Reader and Author
Traditional criticism focused on the author’s intention. However, modern literary theory emphasizes the role of the reader in creating meaning. This means that meaning is not fixed and can change with different readers and contexts.
9. Cultural and Ideological Analysis
Literary theory examines issues such as:
Gender inequality
Class struggle
Colonialism
It helps reveal hidden ideologies and power structures within texts.
10. Importance in Education
Literary theory and criticism are important for students and teachers. They help in:
Writing essays
Answering exam questions
Understanding texts in depth
• Conclusion
In conclusion, literary theory and criticism play a vital role in the study of literature. Literary theory provides the frameworks and ideas, while literary criticism applies these ideas to analyze literary works.
Thus, literary theory and criticism transform reading into an active, analytical, and meaningful process, making literature more enriching and insightful.
* HOME ASSIGNMENT
Topic :-
Preface to the play of Shakespeare By s. Johnson
• Introduction
• About the Author – Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson (1709–1784) was a famous English writer, critic, and lexicographer.
He is best known for compiling A Dictionary of the English Language.
His criticism is known for its clarity, logic, and fairness.
In this essay, he neither blindly praises nor unfairly criticizes Shakespeare.
• Purpose of the Preface
Johnson wrote this preface to:
°Evaluate Shakespeare’s works critically
°Defend Shakespeare against unjust criticism
°Point out both his qualities and faults
°Explain why Shakespeare is still relevant across time
• Main Ideas / Themes
1. Shakespeare as a Universal Writer
Johnson praises Shakespeare for representing universal human nature. His characters are not limited to one time or place They reflect real human emotions and behaviors People from any age or country can relate to them According to Johnson, Shakespeare’s works are “not of an age, but for all time.”
2. Realistic Characters
Shakespeare’s characters behave like real people They are neither purely good nor purely evilThey show a mixture of qualities just like humans This makes his plays more natural and believable.
3. Mixture of Tragedy and Comedy
Johnson defends Shakespeare’s habit of mixing tragedy and comedy. Classical critics believed plays should be strictly one genre But Shakespeare combines both to reflect real life Life itself has both joy and sorrow, so Shakespeare’s method is more realistic.
4. Violation of Classical Rules
Johnson discusses how Shakespeare ignored certain classical rules, especially:
The Three Unities (from classical drama):
Unity of Time
Unity of Place
Unity of Action
Shakespeare often breaks these rules.
° Johnson’s View:
He admits this as a flaw
But says it does not reduce the enjoyment of the audience
The audience focuses more on the story and emotions than strict rules
5. Faults of Shakespeare
Johnson does not blindly praise Shakespeare. He also points out his weaknesses:
Weak or confusing plots in some plays
Use of unnecessary wordplay (puns)
Sometimes careless endings
Moral lessons are not always clear
Johnson believes Shakespeare wrote more for entertainment than moral teaching.
6. Shakespeare’s Language
Shakespeare’s language is powerful and expressive But sometimes difficult and outdated He uses complex sentences and old words Johnson suggests that readers may need effort to understand him.
7. Timelessness of Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s works have lasted for centuries They continue to be read and performed His understanding of human nature makes his work immortal.
• Style of Johnson’s Writing
° Logical and balanced
° Formal and intellectual
° Honest criticism (both praise and blame)
Uses clear reasoning instead of emotional judgment
• Conclusion
Samuel Johnson’s Preface to Shakespeare is a masterpiece of literary criticism that highlights Shakespeare’s universal appeal, realistic characters, and timeless value while honestly discussing his flaws. It remains an important critical work even today.
* ESSAY
Topic:-
Core concepts text, author, reader and context
• Introduction
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