Critical theory is a philosophical approach to understanding and analyzing society, culture, and literature. It seeks to uncover and challenge the underlying power structures and ideologies that shape our understanding of the world. Critical theory often involves examining issues such as power, inequality, and social justice.
Practical criticism, on the other hand, is a method of literary analysis that focuses on the text itself rather than on external factors such as authorial intent or historical context. It involves close reading and interpretation of the text to uncover its meaning and significance. Practical criticism is often used in literary studies to analyze and interpret works of literature.
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Google Gemini AI
Apr 22
Critical Theory
- Definition: A philosophical and literary approach that examines texts and cultural artifacts to identify and critique the underlying power structures, ideologies, and social norms that shape them. - Origins: Developed in the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory established by German philosophers like Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer in the 1930s. - Key Concepts: - Dialectical materialism: The belief that society and history are shaped by a conflict between opposing forces. - Hegemony: The dominance of a particular ideology or set of ideas over others. - Frankfurt School: The group of intellectuals associated with the development of critical theory. - Methods: Involves close reading of texts, discourse analysis, and historical and cultural context analysis to uncover the hidden meanings and ideologies embedded within.
Practical Criticism
- Definition: A method of literary criticism that focuses on the close analysis of a text as an independent and self-sufficient artwork. - Origins: Developed by the English literary critic I.A. Richards in the 1920s. - Key Concepts: - Text as a closed system: The belief that a literary work can be fully understood and appreciated outside its historical or biographical context. - Close reading: The detailed analysis of a text's language, structure, and imagery to reveal its meanings and effects. - Elitism: Sometimes associated with practical criticism due to its emphasis on the careful analysis of complex and sophisticated texts. - Methods: Involves a step-by-step analysis of the text, considering elements such as: - Language and vocabulary - Structure and form - Imagery and symbolism - Tone and mood - Author's intent (inferred from the text)
Key Differences:
- Purpose: Critical theory aims to analyze texts and culture for their ideological implications, while practical criticism focuses on the aesthetic and literary qualities of a text. - Scope: Critical theory is broader in scope, examining the larger social and historical context, while practical criticism is more narrowly focused on the text itself. - Method: Critical theory uses dialectical materialism and discourse analysis, while practical criticism employs close reading and textual analysis.