Main Difference – Literary Criticism vs Literary Theory
Literary criticism and literary theory are two important terms that we encounter in literary studies. There are varying views on the difference between literary criticism and literary theory; some scholars use these two terms to describe the same concept whereas some other scholars consider literary criticism as the practical application of the literary theories. In this article, we are considering the latter perspective. Literary criticism is the study, evaluation and interpretation of literature whereas literary theory is the different frameworks used to evaluate and interpret a particular work. This is the main difference between literary criticism and literary theory.
What is Literary Criticism
Literary criticism is the study, analysis, evaluation and interpretation of literature. In other words, it judges the value of a work. In literary criticism, a particular work or a body of work is evaluated according to its aesthetic value, historical/cultural/social significance of the work, use of language, and insights and insights of the work. These qualities are often mutually dependent or inflective.
Literary criticism has a long history and can be traced back to the times of Pluto. Literary criticisms are often published in essay or book format.
What is Literary Theory
Literary theory is understanding the nature, and function of literature and the relation of text to its author, reader, and society. It can be described as the frame that supports literary criticism. Literary theory consists of a variety of scholarly approaches to evaluate a study. In simple terms, they can be described as the different perspectives or angles scholars use to evaluate literature.
Some of the major schools of literary theory include :
Formalism – focuses on the structural purposes of a text
Reader-Response Criticism – focuses on the response of the reader to a text
Structuralism – focuses on the universal underlying structures of a text
Gender/Queer Studies – focuses on the portrayal of gender and gender relations
Post-colonial Studies – focuses on the influence of colonialism on literature
Psychoanalytic Criticism – focuses on the role of consciousness and unconsciousness in literature
Marxist Criticism – focuses on the political, economic and social in the literature
Difference Between Literary Criticism and Literary Theory
Literary Criticism is the study, evaluation, and interpretation of literature.
Literary Theory is the different frameworks used to evaluate and interpret a particular work.
Theoretical vs Practical
Literary Criticism is the practical application of literary theory.
Literary Theory is a combination of the nature and function of literature and the relation of text to its author, reader, and society.
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