History of Literary Criticism vs. History of Literary Theory

Attribute	History of Literary Criticism	History of Literary Theory
Focus	Analysis and evaluation of literary works	Study of the principles and methods used in interpreting literature
Origins	Ancient Greece and Rome	18th and 19th centuries in Europe
Key Figures	Aristotle, Plato, Samuel Johnson	Ferdinand de Saussure, Roland Barthes, Jacques Derrida
Approach	Historical, biographical, formalist, structuralist, post-structuralist	Structuralist, post-structuralist, deconstructionist, feminist, Marxist
Goal	To understand and interpret literary works	To analyze and critique the underlying assumptions and structures of literature

Introduction

When studying literature, it is essential to understand the various approaches that have been taken to analyze and interpret literary works. Two key areas of study within this field are the History of Literary Criticism and the History of Literary Theory. While these two disciplines may seem similar, they have distinct attributes that set them apart.

History of Literary Criticism

The History of Literary Criticism focuses on the evaluation and interpretation of literary works. It examines the ways in which critics have analyzed and assessed literature throughout history. This discipline traces the development of critical thought and the evolution of different schools of criticism. Scholars in this field study the works of influential critics such as Aristotle, Samuel Johnson, and T.S. Eliot to understand how literary evaluation has evolved over time.

• Focuses on evaluation and interpretation of literary works
• Examines the development of critical thought
• Traces the evolution of different schools of criticism
• Studies the works of influential critics

History of Literary Theory

The History of Literary Theory, on the other hand, focuses on the theoretical frameworks that have been used to analyze literature. This discipline explores the underlying principles and assumptions that shape our understanding of literary texts. It examines the ways in which different theoretical approaches, such as structuralism, postcolonialism, and feminism, have influenced the interpretation of literature. Scholars in this field study the works of theorists such as Roland Barthes, Jacques Derrida, and Judith Butler to understand the theoretical foundations of literary analysis.

• Focuses on theoretical frameworks used to analyze literature
• Explores underlying principles and assumptions
• Examines different theoretical approaches
• Studies the works of influential theorists

Comparison

While both the History of Literary Criticism and the History of Literary Theory are concerned with the analysis and interpretation of literature, they differ in their focus and approach. The History of Literary Criticism emphasizes the evaluation of literary works and the evolution of critical thought, while the History of Literary Theory focuses on the theoretical frameworks that shape our understanding of literature. Critics in the History of Literary Criticism may be more concerned with the aesthetic qualities of a text, while theorists in the History of Literary Theory may be more interested in the social, political, or philosophical implications of a work.

• History of Literary Criticism emphasizes evaluation of literary works
• History of Literary Theory focuses on theoretical frameworks
• Critics may focus on aesthetic qualities
• Theorists may focus on social, political, or philosophical implications

Conclusion

In conclusion, the History of Literary Criticism and the History of Literary Theory are both essential areas of study for anyone interested in literature. While they share a common goal of analyzing and interpreting literary works, they differ in their focus and approach. By studying both disciplines, scholars can gain a comprehensive understanding of the ways in which literature has been evaluated and theorized throughout history.