Literary criticism is the evaluation, analysis, description, or interpretation of any literary work. It is usually in the form of a critical essay, but in-depth book reviews, or books that critique literary work/s can sometimes be considered literary criticism. Criticism may examine a particular literary work, or may look at an author's writings as a whole.
Related Vocabulary:
CRITICISM - noun
A serious examination and judgment of something;
"constructive criticism is always appreciated"
"constructive criticism is always appreciated"
a written evaluation of a work of literature
Students following the IB curriculum are encouraged to use ‘literary criticism’ to express their understanding of the work/s they have studied.
CRITIC - noun
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and
interpretation of works of art, anyone who expresses a reasoned judgment of something
interpretation of works of art, anyone who expresses a reasoned judgment of something
As a student, you become a ‘critic’ when you engage in the process of writing essays to explain your understanding of what you have gathered from a particular work or the comparison of works.
CRITICIZE - verb
find fault with; express criticism of; point out flaws
"The paper criticized the new movie"
"Those who criticize others often are not perfect, either"
The above word cannot be used for positive commentary of a work or many works. Criticizing has a negative connotation. For example let’s examine: ‘My essay criticises the character of Rosalind’ It literally means that your essay intends to criticize or find fault with Rosalind’s character. Replace ‘ criticize’ with words like ‘critique’, ‘analyse’, ‘examine’.
CRITIQUE – noun/transitive verb
Essay in which another piece of work is criticised, reviewed, etc; To review something
My essay critiques the character of Rosalind.
Use your words carefully, especially when you refer to any literary term or concept.
Use your words carefully, especially when you refer to any literary term or concept.
