English 10

MARCH 6-10, 2023

Q3 SUPPLEMENTAL LESSON

Literary Criticism
What is Literary Criticism?
Literary criticism is an extension of this social activity of interpreting. One reader writes down his or
her views on what a particular work of literature means so that others can respond to that
interpretation. The critic's specific purpose may be to make value judgments on a work, explain his
or her understanding of the work, or provide other readers with relevant historical or biographical
information. In most cases, the critic's general purpose is to enrich the reader's understanding of the
literary work. Critics typically engage in dialogue or debate with other critics, using other critics’ views
to develop their points. Unfortunately, when critics assume their readers are already familiar with
previous criticism, the argument may be difficult to follow.

Why should we interpret Literature?

Although the interpretation of literature can be challenging, it may also provide unique and
important rewards. Authors of fiction, poetry, or drama choose literature for their expression
because they believe that there are at least two valid sides to any major issue--not just a simple right
and wrong. Reading and interpreting literature, then, nourishes us with a sense of the complexity of
life's deepest mysteries-- love, hate, death, conflicts between the individual and society, and so on--so
that when we approach these problems we do so with greater self-awareness and greater tolerance
for the views of others. We may react angrily to a news feature about physically abused children. Still.
when we read a story like James Joyce's "Counterparts" we are asked to understand (without
necessarily excusing such an action) the reasons why an adult would hit a harmless child. When we
interpret literature at this level, we are taking what we already know about human nature and adding
in the author’s experience and wisdom of the author (even if we don't share all of the author's
convictions). Interpretation then is a social act--we bring to it all of our past experiences with people,
and we come away with an even richer, more complex understanding.

PRE-TASK: FROM THE VAULT

Instructions: Examine very carefully the text below, and answer briefly the questions that follow:

And you call me up again just to break me like a promise,

So casually cruel in the name of being honest.
I'm a crumpled-up piece of paper lying here,
'Cause I remember it all, all, all…too well.

-From “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version) (10 Minute Version) by Taylor Swift

1. What does the text primarily talk about?

2. Did you find the text challenging to interpret?
 English 10
MARCH 6-10, 2023
Q3 SUPPLEMENTAL LESSON

Literary Criticism

What is a Literary Theory?

Traditionally, literature is regarded as a homogenous body made up of works with similar
characteristics which are read in similar ways by an undifferentiated audience. Today, with the
impact of literary theory on the study of literature, the latter is seen as an area in a state of flux.
Literature, both a body of writing and the oral and aesthetic qualities generally associated with it, can
be seen as sites of struggle where meanings are contested rather than possessing timeless and
universal values and truths. Literary theory, or theories, can offer various ways of defining literature.
Literary theory does not offer any easy solutions as to what literature is, or what its study should be,
but this should not be taken as a negative feature. Literary theory intends to explain or demystify
some of the assumptions or values implicit in literature and literary criticism.

SIX APPROACHES TO CRITIQUING A LITERARY SELECTION

1. Structuralist/formalist – studies a text as a “self-contained object” where generally it
emphasizes the form of theMORALIST
work. In this approach, it focusesMARXIST
on the following: (a) the form
of each individual part of the text, which includes the individual chapters and scenes, (b)
the characters, (c) the setting, (d) the tone, the point of view, (e) diction and all other
elements. The critic underlines how these elements: point of view, setting, characters, plot,
symbols, and theme work together to give sense to the text.

2. Moralist – judges literary works, according to moral principles. Essentially, it is not

demanding or ‘moralizing’ in its technique, although it is probable; nor does it unavoidably
suggest a Christian vantage point, although it frequently does.

3. Marxist – scrutinizes the text as “an expression of contemporary class struggle.” It is

grounded on Karl Marx’s theories, wherein concerns with the insinuations and snags of the
capitalist system. In this approach, literature is regarded not simply as a matter of personal
taste or expression. It unquestionably focuses on political andREADER-
social conditions. Marxist
HISTORICAL
RESPONSE
literary critics would abide by the following inquiries: Is the text a mirror of social values? Is
it a form of propaganda for the ruling classes? Can literature challenge social norms?

4. Feminist – examines the text in the context of recognizing women’s knowledge of

literary concepts, and in terms of valuing their experiences. While reading a text, a feminist
literary critic contests traditional standards or outlooks. It involves the following
fundamental methods: Identifying female characters and reevaluating literature and the
world in which literature is read. Additionally, “Feminist literary criticism is distinguished
from gynocriticism because feminist literary criticism may also analyze and deconstruct
literary works of men.

5. Historical – analyzes literary text by using historical events and evidence, that include
information about the author’s life, and historical and social circumstances. This approach
also “seeks to understand a literary work by investigating the social, cultural, and
intellectual context that produced it—a context that necessarily includes the artist’s
biography and milieu.”

6. Reader-response – Typically, Reader-response criticism revolves around the

phenomena ‘Respond to Reading’. The theory identifies the reader as a significant and
active agent who is responsible to impart the real meaning of the text by interpreting it.
The modern school of thought argues on the existing perception of the literature.
According to it, literature is like a performing art that enables reader creates his own text-
related unique performance.
 English 10
MARCH 6-10, 2023
Q3 SUPPLEMENTAL LESSON

Literary Criticism

Learning Task 1
Instructions: Read and understand the sample critique. Answer the following questions that follow:

My Hollywood

“It was a pleasure to work on your book, My Hollywood. As a reader, I

learned a great deal about the impact of consumer culture on women and the
empty feminine ideals it promotes. And I learned much about you, a writer,
thinker, and woman who has been brave enough to pull all the stops and
reflect on your upbringing and analyze the forces that have influenced
your life. The voice you write with is smart, wisecracking, and honest; a
voice that young women today can relate with. I think your book will speak
to many women who struggle with the same issues you once faced [...] in
the process of becoming a Hollywood desirable.”
(“Sample Critique.” The Artful Editor. Accessed December 13, 2020.
https://www.artfuleditor.com/sample-critique).

1. What literary approach is used in the critique?

2. Why do you think the writer used the said approach in critiquing the literary selection?

Learning Task 2
Directions: Make a one-paragraph critique of the literary text, “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein.
Use a separate sheet in completing this task. Be guided on the following marks for assessment:

CONTENT: 50
LANGUAGE USE: 30
ORGANIZATION: 20
TOTAL: 100

You may access the text through this link:

https://walnutumc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/239064999-The-Giving-Tree.pdf

YOU REMEMBER IT...

In your own words, write a one-paragraph reflection

on the importance of text interpretation.