Thank you for visiting our literary criticism blog! Understanding and analysing literature is important if you’re studying for the UGC NET English exam. This blog post will discuss the value of literary criticism and will feature some notable critics whose work has influenced the subject. With the aid of literary criticism, we can go deeper into literary works and unearth hidden themes, symbols, and meanings. It aids in our understanding of the social, cultural, and historical circumstances in which works were produced as well as the craft of the authors.
It is crucial for UGC NET English candidates to become familiar with renowned critics like Judith Butler, Roland Barthes, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Harold Bloom, and T.S. Eliot. Join us as we explore their concepts and hypotheses to deepen our comprehension of literature and develop our critical thinking abilities.
Greek Critics
Socrates
The renowned Greek critic and philosopher Socrates has a distinguished place in the annals of Western intellectual history. Around 470 BCE, he was born in Athens. He is well known for his distinctive Socratic technique. This approach used probing questions to encourage reflection and critical thinking. Socrates thought that genuine wisdom came from admitting one’s own ignorance and having serious conversations to discover more profound truths. Socrates did not leave any written writings behind, but his pupil Plato carried on his teachings. His emphasis on introspection and the never-ending pursuit of knowledge still serves as a significant source of inspiration for philosophical debate and literary criticism today.
Plato
In terms of Western philosophy, Plato, the eminent Greek philosopher and critic, is unrivalled. He was an influential student of Socrates before emerging as a notable thinker in his own right. He was born in Athens in 427 BCE. The dialogues of Plato, such as “The Republic” and “Phaedrus,” dig deeply into questions of ethics, politics, and the nature of reality. He made significant contributions to philosophical and literary debates with his ideas on ideal forms, the philosopher-king idea, and the cave allegory. Candidates for the UGC NET in English would benefit tremendously from studying Plato’s works, as they continue to influence critical theory and literary analysis.
Aristotle
The famed Greek critic and philosopher Aristotle is a leading figure in Western philosophy. He was born in Stagira in 384 BCE, where he studied under Plato before becoming Alexander the Great’s teacher. In addition to philosophy, logic, ethics, and literary criticism, Aristotle also made substantial contributions to other disciplines. His well-known book “Poetics” is regarded as a pillar of literary theory and offers insightful explanations of the essence of tragedy and the fundamental components of narrative. Aristotle’s emphasis on close observation, logical reasoning, and empirical analysis has had a lasting impact on critical thinking and continues to affect literary criticism today.
Important Roman Critics-
1. Horace
The eminent Roman poet and critic Horace has a considerable influence on literary criticism. His critical work, “Ars Poetica” or “The Art of Poetry,” written in 65 BCE, is still regarded as a ground-breaking contribution to the art. Horace provides insightful analysis of the fundamentals of poetic composition in this essay, highlighting the value of coherence, clarity, and restraint. His “ut pictura poesis” idea compares poetry to painting and emphasises the importance of strong imagery and sensual appeal. Horace is a significant character for UGC NET English candidates to research and comprehend because his theories have had a long-lasting influence on literary theory.
2. Longinus
In the field of literary criticism, Longinus, a renowned Roman critic from the first century CE, is especially significant for candidates for the UGC NET in English. In his famous essay “On the Sublime,” he explores the impact of literature’s lofty vocabulary and thought-provoking themes. Longinus emphasises the importance of using literature to evoke awe, wonder, and strong emotions. His ideas about the sublime had a significant impact on later literary theorists and critics, influencing how they perceived rhetoric, style, and the effect of language on readers. Longinus is a crucial person for UGC NET English applicants to research and comprehend because of his capacity to motivate academics to consider the profound and transformational potential of language.
3. Quintilian
Quintilian, a well-known Roman critic from the first century CE, is incredibly important in the field of literary criticism, especially for candidates for the UGC NET in English. His well-known book, “Institutio Oratoria,” is a thorough study of rhetoric and oratory. Quintilian places a lot of weight on the contribution that education makes to the development of talented authors and speakers. He promotes the use of eloquence in the quest for justice and truth, and he defends the moral and ethical aspects of public speaking. The ideas of Quintilian on rhetoric, style, and the craft of persuasion continue to influence literary theory and pedagogy today. For UGC NET English applicants researching the nuances of language and communication, his work is still a priceless resource.
Middle Age Critics
1. Philip Sidney
In the field of literary criticism, Philip Sidney, a significant Mediaeval critic, is extremely important, especially for UGC NET English candidates. His well-known essay “An Apology for Poetry” or “Defence of Poesy,” which promotes the worth and significance of poetry, is a classic. Sidney defends poetry as an intellectually and morally enlightening art form that can promote virtue and improve the human soul. In addition, he examines the idea of literary imitation, distinguishing it from creative emulation and simple imitation. Sidney is an important person for UGC NET English aspirants to research and comprehend because of his theories on poetry and its social function, which have had a lasting influence on the study of literature.
Enlightenment age Critics
1. John Dryden
In the subject of literary criticism, John Dryden, an important Enlightenment-era critic, is especially significant for candidates for the UGC NET in English. His well-known piece, “An Essay of Dramatic Poesy,” explores a number of dramatic literature’s elements, such as tragedy, comedy, character portrayal, and the notions of unity. The evolution of English literary criticism has been significantly impacted by Dryden’s critical observations and logical approach to literature. Neoclassical ideas were promoted by him, with a focus on writing that was clear, organised, and rational. Candidates for the UGC NET in English should study and comprehend Dryden because his writings provide insightful viewpoints on the aesthetics and guiding principles of literature.
2. Alexander Pope
In the subject of literary criticism, Alexander Pope, an important Enlightenment-era critic, is especially significant for candidates for the UGC NET in English. His well-known piece, “An Essay on Criticism,” is a ground-breaking treatise that explores numerous facets of literary criticism. Pope investigates the fundamentals of good writing, the functions of reason and nature, and the duties of critics in the assessment of literature. Pope’s contributions, which are renowned for their wit, clarity, and logical approach, have had a significant influence on later generations of literary theorists. He is a crucial figure for UGC NET English applicants to study and grasp since his writings offer insightful perspectives on the craft of writing and the criteria that should be used to evaluate literature.
3.Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson, a significant critic of the Enlightenment era, is significant in the subject of literary criticism, especially for candidates for the UGC NET in English. His significant publications, including “The Lives of the Poets” and “A Dictionary of the English Language,” have left enduring legacies in the field of literary studies. Johnson emphasises the moral and ethical aspects of literature in his method of criticism. He was a key contributor to the standardisation of the English language through his perceptive biographies of well-known poets and the production of a thorough dictionary. Johnson’s writings demonstrate both his in-depth knowledge of literature and his scrupulous attention to linguistic use. Candidates for the UGC NET in English who have studied under him will have profound understandings of the literary and linguistic features of the Age of Enlightenment.
Thinkers
1. Thomas Hobbes
The 17th-century philosopher Thomas Hobbes is a key figure in the field of political philosophy, especially for candidates for the UGC NET in English. His well-known book, “Leviathan,” explores the social contract, the nature of governance, and the nature of society. To avoid the anarchy that would result from a state of nature, Hobbes favours a powerful central government. His viewpoints on governmental authority, individual liberties, and the importance of social order have had a profound influence on political philosophy. Candidates for the UGC NET in English should study and comprehend Hobbes because his writings continue to influence conversations on governance.
2. John Locke
Particularly for candidates for the UGC NET in English, John Locke, a notable thinker of the 17th century, is crucial in the fields of political philosophy and epistemology. His significant writings, including as “Two Treatises of Government” and “An Essay Concerning Human Understanding,” have had a significant influence on political and philosophical thought. Modern democracies have largely been shaped by Locke’s beliefs on natural rights, limited government, and the consent of the governed. Furthermore, the field of epistemology and our comprehension of how knowledge is acquired have been significantly influenced by his theory of knowing and empiricism. Locke is a crucial thinker for UGC NET English applicants to learn and comprehend because of the insightful insights he provides into political philosophy and the nature of human thinking in his works.
3.Giambattista Vico
Particularly for candidates for the UGC NET in English, Giambattista Vico, a renowned thinker of the 18th century, is significant in the fields of philosophy and cultural theory. In his well-known book “The New Science,” he offers a thorough account of human history and civilization. Vico’s theories are based on the notion of “corsi” and “ricorsi,” which are cyclical tendencies in social development. In reading texts and ideas, he emphasises the importance of taking cultural and historical context into account. Vico made significant contributions to the fields of anthropology, sociology, and literary criticism with his thoughts on language, mythology, and social institutions. He is a critical thinker for UGC NET English aspirants to research and understand because of the insightful viewpoints his works offer on human civilization and cultural development.
4.Edmund Burke
Particularly for candidates for the UGC NET in English, Burke, a famous thinker of the 18th century, is very relevant in the fields of political philosophy and conservatism. “Reflections on the Revolution in France,” one of his well-known works, offers an analysis of extreme political and social transformation. Burke places a strong emphasis on the importance of tradition, gradual change, and the maintenance of social institutions. He makes an argument for the value of social order and warns against the dangers of dramatic change. Burke’s views on tradition, the duty of government, and the boundaries of political change have had a significant influence on political theory. He is a crucial thought for UGC NET English applicants to understand because of the way his works continue to influence conversations about conservatism and political philosophy.
Romantic Age Critics
1. William Wordsworth
William Wordsworth, a well-known critic of the Romantic era, is extremely important in the realm of literature and criticism, particularly for UGC NET English candidates. His groundbreaking compositions, including as “Lyrical Ballads” and “The Prelude,” revolutionised poetic expression and were essential in forming the Romantic movement. Wordsworth’s poetic philosophy emphasised the value of firsthand experience, the magnificence of nature, and the influence of imagination. He opposed the Neoclassical era’s artificiality and argued for a return to simplicity and honesty in literature. Wordsworth’s works not only embody the ideals of the Romantic movement but also offer profound insights into the nature of humanity and the relationship between nature and the self. His contributions still have an impact on literary analysis, making him a crucial critic for UGC NET English candidates to research and examine.
2. Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge, a well-known Romantic Age critic, is extremely important in the world of literature and criticism, particularly for UGC NET English candidates. His important writings, such as “Biographia Literaria” and “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” have left a lasting impression. Coleridge emphasised the importance of the fantastic and the power of the imagination in literature. He developed the idea of “willing suspension of disbelief” and looked at the concept of “wonderful” in poetry. Coleridge’s theories on how poetry, philosophy, and the imagination interact still influence literary studies today. For UGC NET English candidates to investigate and comprehend, he serves as a crucial critic thanks to his efforts.
3. John Keats
In the fields of literature and poetry, John Keats, a significant Romantic Age poet, is very relevant for UGC NET English aspirants. His enduring compositions, like as “Ode to a Nightingale” and “Ode on a Grecian Urn,” are praised for their lyrical beauty and examination of important ideas like mortality, beauty, and the capacity for creativity. Keats’ poetry exhibits a strong bond with nature, a sensitive emotional sense, and a profound comprehension of the human condition. His writing demonstrates heightened linguistic sensitivity as well as a command of lyrical style. Keats is a crucial person for UGC NET English candidates to study and comprehend because of his contributions to Romantic poetry and his creative use of language.
Victorian Age Critic
1. George Eliot
In the world of literature and criticism, George Eliot, a notable Victorian-era critic, is especially important for candidates for the UGC NET in English. By using a male pseudonym, Mary Ann Evans’s pen name, George Eliot, challenged gender stereotypes. Her well-known writings, including “Middlemarch” and “The Mill on the Floss,” offer insightful perspectives on morality, the intricacies of human nature, and social difficulties. Eliot’s writing is known for its psychological depth, realism, and exploration of complex interpersonal and societal processes. She is a crucial critic for UGC NET English aspirants to research and understand because of her contributions to Victorian literature.
2. Friedrich Nietsche
In the areas of philosophy and cultural criticism, Friedrich Nietzsche, a significant Victorian-era critic, is very important for UGC NET English aspirants. His well-known works, including “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” and “Beyond Good and Evil,” offer significant insights into the essence of human life and present a radical reevaluation of conventional moral norms. Nietzsche’s philosophy is based on the notions of the “will to power” and the “Ubermensch” or “superman.” He challenges cultural standards, the idea of absolute truth, and religious dogma while highlighting the value of individual freedom and embracing the intricacies of life. Nietzsche is a critical thinker that UGC NET English aspirants must investigate and comprehend since his writings continue to influence philosophical debate and cultural critique.
3. G.M.Hopkins
In terms of poetry and literary criticism, G.M. Hopkins, a notable Victorian-era critic, is extremely important, especially for candidates for the UGC NET in English. His well-known poems, like “The Windhover” and “Pied Beauty,” are excellent examples of his distinctive lyrical style and creative language use. Hopkins’ poetry is distinguished by its examination of religious topics and by his idea of “inscape,” which alludes to an object or a person’s innate essence. His lyrics are renowned for their rich musicianship, profound spirituality, and vivid imagery. Hopkins is a critical voice that UGC NET English candidates must learn and comprehend due to his contributions to Victorian poetry and his experimental use of language.
4. Henry James
Henry James, a notable Victorian-era critic, is very important in the world of literature and criticism, especially for those aiming for the UGC NET in English. James, who is renowned for his original storytelling strategies and psychological insights, created outstanding masterpieces like “The Portrait of a Lady” and “The Turn of the Screw.” His books explore the complexities of interpersonal interactions, social pressures, and the interior lives of his characters. James’ writing is known for its painstaking attention to detail and deep reflection. Themes of identity, morality, and the conflict between American and European cultures are all explored in his writings. James is a critical voice that UGC NET English aspirants must investigate and comprehend because of his contributions to Victorian literature.
5. Matthew Arnold
In the subject of literature and criticism, Matthew Arnold, a well-known Victorian-era critic, is especially important for candidates for the UGC NET in English. His outstanding works, such as “Culture and Anarchy” and the poetry “Dover Beach,” have left a lasting impression. Arnold’s critical theory emphasised the value of moral principles, culture, and education in society. He rejected both the extremes of materialism and dogmatic religious conviction in favour of a balanced approach to life and literature. In his essays, Arnold expresses his concerns about the decline of ethical and intellectual standards in Victorian culture. He is a crucial character for UGC NET English applicants to research and comprehend because of his contributions to literary criticism.
6. T.S.Eliot
T.S. Eliot is a prominent modernist poet and key Victorian Age critic, and his work is of utmost significance to those pursuing the UGC NET. His important works, such as “The Waste Land” and “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” revolutionised both the form and subject of poetry. Eliot’s poetry explores themes of alienation, hopelessness, and the search for spiritual redemption while incorporating a variety of cultural allusions that represent his fractured and disheartened view of contemporary society. Additionally, in his critical articles like “Tradition and the Individual Talent,” he provided ground-breaking concepts about the nature of poetry and the value of literary tradition. Eliot is an essential person for NET candidates to research and appreciate because of his contributions to both poetry and criticism.
Conclusion
In conclusion, candidates for the UGC NET in English must have a thorough awareness of literary criticism and its influential critics. These critics had a lasting impression on the literary world by offering priceless frameworks and perspectives for deciphering and analysing literary works. Each critic has contributed to the literary environment in a distinctive way, from the Roman critic Longinus to writers from the Enlightenment and Romantic eras like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge. In a similar way, philosophers like Giambattista Vico, John Locke, and Thomas Hobbes all had an impact on both the intellectual underpinnings and the literature of their own eras.
Read More: French Literature-Important Writers For UGC NET English