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"Criticism asks what literature is, what it does, and what it is worth."  - Encyclopedia Britannica

Literary criticism analyzes, interprets, and evaluates works of literature. Though you most often find criticism in the form of an essay, in-depth book reviews may also be considered criticism. Criticism may analyze an individual work of literature. It may also examine an author’s body of work.

Why study literary criticism?

Authors present us with work that can have multiple meanings, expecting us to consider thoughtfully - to interpret. Writers and critics build on each others' understanding of a work of literature in a kind of dialog. Good criticism can help us develop a better understanding of a work. In addition, it can help us develop a point of view about a work, whether or not we agree with the opinions of the critic.

When looking at criticism, check for:

• Credentials of the writer
• Quality of the sources--journals, books, websites

Opinions supported by evidence, relating to:

• Characterization
• Voice
• Style
• Theme
• Setting
• Technical qualities of the writing (artistry, style, use of language)
• Interpretation
• Complex ideas and problems
• Relationship of work to the time, or social, historical, or political trends

When looking for criticism, AVOID:

• Plot summaries, SparkNotes, Pink Monkey, Cliff's Notes, etc.
• Casual posts on discussion groups
• The works of other students
• Author biography

From Hershey High School Library

For more information about how to identify critical analysis please review:

Scholarly Journals and Popular Magazines Explained

EBSCOhost's Research database search searches all the EBSCO periodical databases St. Paul's subscribes to at the same time. You can deselect the databases you do not want to include in the search.