PSCC Libraries: Literary Criticism: 2. Finding a Literary Criticism Approach

Finding a Literary Approach

Discussing and analyzing literature is important for many reasons. It lets our imaginations explore new ideas and places. It improves our empathy by allowing us to imagine life in various individuals' shoes; and lastly, it improves our critical thinking skills.

To begin your Literary Criticism essay, determine which work/works your essay will focus on.
Brainstorm topics that interest you.
Understand literary approaches and develop the approach you would like to adopt for your essay.
There are different literary approaches to choose from:
- Focus on literary elements and their significance
- Construct a comparative/contrast essay focusing on themes or characters
- Examine the work through a critical literary len
Selecting an approach early on will help as you re-read literary works and formulate your argument.

The following pages help explain the different approaches one could use for a literary criticism paper. It is important to remember there are numerous approaches out there, and you do not have to limit yourself to approaches presented in this guide.

Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory by J. A. Cuddon; M. A. R. Habib
Call Number: HV Library; Ref PN41 .C83 2013
'An indispensable work of reference' Times Literary Supplement The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory is firmly established as a key work of reference in the complex and varied field of literary criticism. Now in its fifth edition, it remains the most comprehensive and accessible work of its kind, and is invaluable for students, teachers and general readers alike.
Key Terms in Literary Theory by Mary Klages
Publication Date: 2012
Students of literature, film and cultural studies need to understand key theoretical terms and concepts but often find it hard to get to grips with exactly what they mean. This book provides precise definitions of terms and concepts in literary theory, along with explanations of the major movements and figures in literary and cultural theory and an extensive bibliography.
Encyclopedia of Literature and Criticism by Martin Coyle (Editor); Peter Garside (Editor); Malcolm Kelsall (Editor); John Peck (Editor)
A guide both to the nature and content of literature, and to literary criticism. Ninety essays by leading critics and scholars, the volume covers both traditional topics such as literature and history, poetry, drama and the novel, and also newer topics such as the production and reception of literature.