Aristotle's contribution to literary criticism is the idea that poetry is an art with an object of its own. Poetry can rationally understood and reduced to an intelligible set of rules.
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Aristotle's contribution to literary criticism is mainly outlined in his work "Poetics." In this text, he defines the key elements of drama, such as plot, character, and spectacle, and discusses their role in creating successful storytelling. He also introduces the concept of catharsis, the purging of emotions through tragedy, which has had a lasting impact on how we understand the effects of literature on audiences.
Horace, a Roman poet and critic, is known for his work "Ars Poetica" which is a treatise on poetry that discusses the principles of literary composition. His contributions to literary criticism include advocating for clarity, craftsmanship, and moderation in writing, as well as emphasizing the importance of adhering to established literary conventions and rules. Horace's ideas had a lasting impact on Western literary theory and were influential in shaping the development of literary criticism.
Freud's literary theory proposed that literature is a form of dream interpretation, where characters and stories reflect unconscious desires and conflicts. He believed that writers subconsciously express their own psychological struggles through their work, and that readers can gain insights into their own unconscious mind by analyzing literature. Freud's theory significantly influenced the field of psychoanalytic literary criticism.
Psychological criticism is an approach to literature that analyzes characters' thoughts, motivations, and behaviors using psychological theories and concepts. It explores how these elements contribute to the overall meaning of the text and can provide insight into the author's intentions and the reader's response.
Constructive criticism is feedback that aims to provide helpful suggestions or guidance for improvement, while still being respectful and considerate of the recipient's feelings. It is intended to help the person grow and develop their skills or behavior in a positive way.
Psychoanalytic criticism in literature, which draws on Freud's theories of the unconscious mind, repression, and symbolism, is most reflective of his influence. This approach analyzes characters and themes in literature through a psychological lens, exploring hidden motivations and desires. Additionally, the concept of the uncanny, as explored by Freud, is often utilized in literary analysis to examine themes of repression and the return of the repressed in storytelling.