Literary Criticism and Literature

¶ … Judging Literature

Arnold prefers a comparative method of judging literature, a topic he addresses in "The Study of Poetry." According to Arnold, historical and personal grounds can often confound the comparison. Therefore, it is important to remain as unbiased as possible or at least to acknowledge one's biases when judging literature. It is important neither to overestimate nor underestimate the relevance or importance of a piece of literature, simply because one has a special affection for it or finds it relevant to a historical issue. Arnold also refers to the ways judging literature is constrained by historical context and attitudes. The merit of the work on a personal level is going to be different from that work's merit to a broader audience. The comparative method helps to eliminate biases as much as possible.

The Function of Criticism

Literary criticism functions in several different ways. Arnold first notes that the main function of criticism is to see and understand a work of literature exactly as it is, as objectively and rationally as possible. In practice, however, this can be difficult. Arnold distinguishes between the intellectual approach to literature and criticism, and the creative approach. Also, Arnold reiterates his appreciation of the art of comparison between works. Through criticism, literature can reach a sort of transcendence, in which the work of literature transcends both time and its cultural context. Seeing an item in its entirety and with as honest eyes as possible is the primary goal of criticism.

9. The Need of A Cosmopolitan Attitude in Criticism

Cosmopolitanism refers to being an open-minded person, aware of the world and cosmos around rather than being self-centered or xenophobic. Cosmopolitanism in terms of literary criticism and having good judgment in literary analysis refers to one's ability to ascertain universal truths from a wide body of cross-cultural literature, and also to incorporate the literature from other cultures into one's own repertoire of criticism. Arnold's view is that English speakers have so much material to work with, they are at great risk of neglecting to notice or recognize the value in the literary works from other cultures. A cosmopolitan attitude in criticism corrects this bias conscientiously.

10. Essentials of Literature as Criticism Of Life

According to Arnold, literature is simply commentary on life, or criticism of life itself. The goal of literature is to see things as they are, then reflect back to the world some commentary on things, offering unique points-of-view and ways of looking at the world. Literature is not just about fantasy, although fantasy can be used as a vehicle through which to convey the world as it really is. Even when the prose or poetic language used is lofty, ultimately there is an underlying purpose or meaning to the work of literature that goes behind the language. Language is a vehicle; the plot or content of the piece is also merely a vehicle; beneath those vehicles lies the real truth in the piece. The goal of the critic is to pierce through the veils of language and content and reach the core kernel of truth at the heart of the literature, and that heart should offer some social commentary or criticism of life.

11. The Laws Of Poetic Truth And Poetic Beauty

Having said that about the essentials of literature as criticism of life in the tenth section, Arnold now discusses more in detail the importance of poetic beauty and poetic truth. Poetic beauty allows the reader to appreciate what is being said, the poetry should be lofty and conducive to enlightenment. There are specific laws related to poetic beauty, just as there are laws in music. What sounds good in music depends on these laws, such as harmony and rhythm. In fact, poetry also has sonic harmony and rhythm, as well as other sonic dimensions as well as having meaning in the diction and tone of the poetry. Even prose can reach poetic beauty, claims Arnold. Seriousness and sincerity are both needed to accomplish the lofty goals of poetic beauty.

Conclusion/Summary