Foundation Of Literary Criticism

Name : Chudasama Diptiba Pravinsinh 

Year : T.Y.B.A. ( 2025 - 26 )

Semester : 6

Subject : English 

Paper Name : Foundation Of Literary Criticism 

Class Assignment : Core Concepts - Text, Author, Reader and Context 

Home Assignment : Preface to the plays of Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson 

Essay : Function of Criticism at the present time by Matthew Arnold 

College: Maharanishree Nandkuvarba Mahila Arts and Commarce College 

Submission Date: 25/2/2026

Class Assignment 

1. Core Concepts In Literary Studies - Text, Author, Reader and Context 

🔷 Introduction

In literary studies, four core concepts help us understand and interpret literature: Text, Author, Reader, and Context. These elements are interconnected and form the foundation of literary theory and criticism. Different literary approaches focus on one or more of these elements to explain how meaning is created in literature. Understanding these concepts helps students analyze texts deeply and critically.

1. Text

The text is the actual written work—such as a poem, novel, drama, or short story. It includes words, structure, style, symbols, themes, and literary devices used by the writer.

In some theories like New Criticism, the text itself is the main focus. Critics believe that meaning exists within the text and can be discovered through close reading.

• Example 

For example, in The Waste Land by T. S. Eliot, the meaning is explored through imagery, symbolism, and structure without necessarily referring to the author's personal life.

•  Key Points

- Focus on language and form

- Close reading of themes and symbols

- Text as an independent entity

2. Author

The author is the creator of the literary work. Some critical approaches emphasize the author’s biography, intention, background, and beliefs in interpreting a text.

• Example

For example, understanding William Wordsworth helps readers interpret his poems about nature and emotion, as his life experiences influenced his writing.

 

However, modern theorists like Roland Barthes argued in his essay 'The Death of the Author' that the author’s intention should not control the meaning of the text.

• Key Points

- Biographical background

- Author’s intention

- Historical and personal influences

3. Reader

The reader plays an important role in creating meaning. According to Reader-Response Theory, a text has no fixed meaning until it is read and interpreted by a reader.

Each reader may understand a text differently based on their:

- Experience

- Culture

- Emotions

- Knowledge

• Example 

For example, a modern reader may interpret Pride and Prejudice differently from a reader in the 19th century.

• Key Points

- Meaning is created through reading

- Personal interpretation

- Active participation of the reader

 4. Context

Context refers to the social, historical, political, cultural, and economic background in which a text is produced and read.

• Example 

Contextual criticism studies how external factors influence literature. For example, 'Untouchable' by Mulk Raj Anand reflects the social issue of caste discrimination in India.

•  Types of Context

1. Historical context
2.  Social context
3.  Political context
4.  Cultural context

•  Key Points

- Literature reflects society

- Background influences meaning

-  Helps understand deeper significance

🔷 Relationship Among Text, Author, Reader and Context

These four elements are interconnected:

- The author creates the text.

- The text is interpreted by the reader.

- The meaning is shaped by the context.

Different literary theories emphasize different elements:

 New Criticism → Text

 Biographical Criticism → Author

 Reader-Response Theory → Reader

 Marxism/Postcolonialism → Context

🔷 Conclusion

In conclusion, the core concepts of Text, Author, Reader, and Context form the foundation of literary studies. Each concept plays an important role in shaping the meaning of literature. While the text provides the structure and content, the author influences it through experience and intention. The reader actively interprets the text, and context gives it historical and cultural depth. Understanding these concepts enables students to analyze literature more effectively and thoughtfully.

Home Assignment 

2. Preface to the Plays of Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson 

🔷 Introduction

Preface to the Plays of Shakespeare(1765) is one of the most important works of literary criticism in English literature. It was written by Samuel Johnson as an introduction to his edition of Shakespeare’s plays. In this preface, Johnson evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of William Shakespeare and presents balanced criticism.

Samuel Johnson

Johnson admires Shakespeare’s genius but does not hesitate to point out his faults. His preface is considered a landmark in the history of Shakespearean criticism.

🔷 Background of the Preface

 

 Preface to the plays of Shakespeare

In 1765, Samuel Johnson published an edition of Shakespeare’s plays with explanatory notes. The preface served as a critical introduction, where Johnson discussed:

1. Shakespeare’s greatness
2.  His dramatic techniques
3.  His faults and limitations
4.  The importance of editing texts carefully

This preface reflects the values of the Neoclassical Age, which emphasized order, moral instruction, and realism.

🔷 Main Ideas in the Preface

 1. Shakespeare as a Poet of Nature

Johnson praises Shakespeare as a “poet of nature.” According to him, Shakespeare represents universal human nature. His characters are not limited to one time or place but reflect real human emotions and behaviors.

Johnson states that Shakespeare’s characters are “the genuine progeny of common humanity.” This means they are realistic and relatable.

2. Universality and Realism

Johnson appreciates Shakespeare’s ability to portray universal themes such as love, jealousy, ambition, and revenge. His plays are relevant to all generations because they depict general human experiences.

For example, in 'Hamlet', themes of doubt and revenge are timeless and universal.

 3. Mixture of Tragedy and Comedy

Johnson defends Shakespeare’s mixing of tragic and comic elements in the same play. Neoclassical critics believed that tragedy and comedy should be separate, but Johnson argues that this mixture reflects real life, which contains both sorrow and happiness.

Thus, he supports Shakespeare’s natural dramatic style.

4. Violation of the Three Unities

Neoclassical critics valued the “Three Unities” of time, place, and action (derived from Aristotle). Shakespeare often ignored these rules.

Johnson argues that Shakespeare’s violation of the unities does not reduce the pleasure of the audience. The audience understands that drama is fiction, so strict adherence to unities is not necessary.

5. Moral Purpose

Johnson believes literature should teach moral lessons. He appreciates Shakespeare for presenting moral truths through his characters and stories.

However, he also criticizes Shakespeare for sometimes neglecting poetic justice—where good is rewarded and evil is punished.

6. Shakespeare’s Faults

Johnson gives balanced criticism and points out Shakespeare’s weaknesses:

•  Carelessness in plot construction
•  Use of puns and wordplay
•  Occasional vulgar language
•  Historical inaccuracies

Despite these faults, Johnson believes Shakespeare’s greatness outweighs his weaknesses.

🔷 Johnson as a Critic

Samuel Johnson’s criticism is:

•  Balanced and fair
• Based on common sense
•  Focused on moral and realistic values
•  Practical rather than theoretical

He neither blindly praises nor harshly condemns Shakespeare. His approach marks a shift toward modern literary criticism.

🔷 Importance of the Preface

• It is one of the earliest serious critical studies of Shakespeare.
• It established Shakespeare’s position as a universal and timeless writer.
•  It influenced later critics and scholars.
• It reflects Neoclassical principles while appreciating Shakespeare’s natural genius.

🔷 Conclusion

In conclusion, Preface to the Plays of Shakespeare by Samuel Johnson is a landmark work in English literary criticism. Johnson praises Shakespeare as a universal poet of nature while honestly discussing his faults. He defends Shakespeare’s dramatic freedom and emphasizes realism and moral purpose. The preface remains important because it combines admiration with critical judgment and sets a standard for balanced literary criticism.

Essay 

3. The Function of Criticism at the Present Time – Matthew Arnold

🔷 Introduction

The Function of Criticism at the Present Time (1864) is one of the most important essays of literary criticism written by Matthew Arnold. In this essay, Arnold explains the role and importance of criticism in society. He argues that criticism should be disinterested, objective, and devoted to the pursuit of truth. According to Arnold, criticism prepares the ground for creative literature and helps in the intellectual and cultural development of society.

🔷 About Matthew Arnold

Matthew Arnold (1822–1888) was a Victorian poet, critic, and cultural thinker. He is known for his essays on literature, culture, and society. Some of his important works include:

1. Culture and Anarchy
2. Essays in Criticism
3. The Study of Poetry

Arnold believed that literature should promote moral and cultural improvement. He considered criticism as an important intellectual activity that guides society toward higher ideals.

Matthew Arnold

🔷 Main Ideas of the Essay

1. Definition of Criticism

Arnold defines criticism as:

 “A disinterested endeavor to learn and propagate the best that is known and thought in the world.”

By “disinterested,” he means free from personal bias, political influence, or practical motives. Criticism should seek truth, not promote personal or national interests.

2. Function of Criticism

Arnold states that the main function of criticism is:

1. To spread knowledge of the best ideas
2.  To create an intellectual atmosphere
3.  To prepare the way for creative writers

He believes that creative power depends on the intellectual climate of society. Criticism builds that climate.

 3. The Critical Spirit

Arnold emphasizes the importance of a “critical spirit.” This spirit involves:

 - Openness to new ideas

 - Freedom from prejudice

 - Love for truth

He criticizes the narrow-mindedness and practical focus of Victorian England, which he thinks limits intellectual growth.

4. Criticism and Creativity

Arnold compares the roles of creative writers and critics. He says:

- Creative writers produce great works.

- Critics analyze and spread ideas.

Criticism does not create literature directly but supports and influences it by shaping public taste and intellectual standards.

 5. Disinterestedness

Disinterestedness is a central idea in the essay. Arnold argues that criticism must remain neutral and objective. It should not be influenced by politics, religion, or personal feelings.

This concept distinguishes true criticism from propaganda or personal attack.

 6. The Role of Ideas

Arnold believes that great literature arises when society is rich in ideas. He compares England with ancient Greece and France, where intellectual activity was strong. According to him, England lacks free intellectual inquiry, and criticism can help improve this condition.

🔷 Importance of the Essay

The Function of Criticism at the present time

 

• It establishes criticism as an independent discipline.
•  It promotes objectivity and intellectual freedom.
•  It highlights the relationship between literature and culture.
•  It influenced modern literary criticism.

Arnold’s essay marks a shift from purely creative writing to analytical and cultural criticism.

🔷 Critical Evaluation

•  Strengths

- Clear definition of criticism

- Emphasis on objectivity

- Connection between literature and society

• Limitations

 - Overemphasis on disinterestedness may ignore personal experience.

 - Underestimates the creative element in criticism itself.

- Despite these limitations, the essay remains highly influential.

🔷 Conclusion

In conclusion, The Function of Criticism at the Present Time by Matthew Arnold is a landmark essay in literary criticism. Arnold defines criticism as a disinterested pursuit of truth and the spread of the best ideas. He believes criticism prepares the intellectual foundation for creative literature and cultural growth. His emphasis on objectivity and intellectual freedom continues to influence literary studies today.

🔷 Reference 

1. Abrams, M. H., & Harpham, G. G. A Glossary of Literary Terms.

2. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction.

3. Barry, Peter. Beginning Theory.

4. Bennett, Andrew & Royle, Nicholas. An Introduction to Literature, Criticism and Theory.

5. Johnson, Samuel. Preface to the Plays of Shakespeare (1765).

6.Wimsatt, W. K., & Brooks, C. Literary Criticism: A Short History.

7. Arnold, Matthew. Essays in Criticism (1865).