Literary Criticism

What is Literary Criticism?

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"

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

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.