Nature of Criticism_BA III Spl English_Semester V

 (E-content developed by Dr N A Jarandikar)

Nature of Criticism

The term criticism derives from the Greek term ‘kritikos’, which was used in the 4^th century B.C. It means “a judgement of literature”. In the 2^nd century A.D. its place was taken by the term ‘criticus’, aimed at the interpretation of texts of writers in Greek or Latin. In English, Dryden used it in the modern sense in his preface to ‘The State of Innocence’ (1677). He writes: “Criticism, as it was first instituted by Aristotle, was meant a standard of judging well.” Today, the term literary criticism aims at the study of works of literature with emphasis on their evaluation.

Following are the different views which throws light on the nature of criticism:

• According to one view, criticism is parasitic and inferior to creation. Thus, the  importance is given to creation assuming it as primary.
• In contrast to this, one view places criticism superior to creation and claims that there is a kind of criticism which exists before art itself just as there is a kind of criticism which follows art.

• One view makes a distinction between an artist and a critic. The creative artist is personal and subjective, whereas a critic is impersonal, dispassionate, and detached.

• However, one view gives equal status to crticism and creation. It claims that criticism and creation can not be separated. Though the creative and critical faculties are logically distinct, psychologically they are interfused with each other. Thus, there is no antipathy but close affinity between the critic and the creative artist. “Both poet and critic draw their light from the sun of beauty and truth, and we may be glad of both.” (Grierson)
• A good critic has the same interest at heart as the artist possesses. His never failing sympathy and intuition qualify him to speak on behalf of the artist. Alexander Pope beautifully says, “Both must alike from Heaven derive their light, These born to judge, as well as those to write.”

• Is literary criticism an art or an exact science? Critics like I. A. Richards and Prof. Moulton aim at scientific accuracy and scientific impartiality in their literary criticism.

• However, according to D. H. Lawrence, criticism can never be a science. In first place, criticism is ‘much too personal’, and secondly, it is concerned with ‘values that science ignores’.

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