Critique in Literature & Theory

Etymology of Critique

The term critique has its roots in the French language, derived from the verb “critiquer” and the noun “critique,” which in turn can be traced back to the Greek word “kritikḗ” (κριτική). The Greek word “kritikḗ” is related to “kritḗs” (κριτής), meaning “judge” or “one who discerns.”

In its evolution, the term “critique” has taken on various nuanced meanings in both French and English. Originally, it referred to the act of critical analysis and evaluation, particularly within the realm of literature and the arts.

time, it has expanded to encompass the assessment and critical examination of any intellectual or creative work, and it has become a fundamental concept in academic discourse, shaping the practice of constructive criticism and scholarly inquiry.

Today, “critique” is an essential term in academic and intellectual contexts, representing the act of assessing, analyzing, and offering informed opinions on a wide range of subjects and disciplines.

Meanings of Critique

Aspect	Meaning
Critical Analysis	Refers to a detailed and thoughtful evaluation or examination of a work, idea, or concept, often involving an assessment of its strengths, weaknesses, and overall quality.
Artistic Assessment	In the realm of the arts, critique involves the review and assessment of creative works, such as literature, art, music, and film, to provide constructive feedback or commentary.
Academic Discourse	In academia, critique involves the scholarly analysis and discussion of research, theories, or academic papers, contributing to the advancement of knowledge within a particular field.
Expression of Opinion	Represents the act of expressing one’s perspective or viewpoint on a subject, often involving a critical examination and the presentation of reasoned arguments.
Constructive Feedback	Implies the provision of feedback with the intent to help improve or refine a work or idea, fostering growth and development.
Cultural and Social Commentary	In a broader context, critique can encompass discussions and evaluations of cultural, social, or political phenomena, offering insights, perspectives

Definition of Literary Device of Critique

A literary device of critique refers to a deliberate and systematic analysis of a literary work, exploring its themes, structures, and elements with a discerning and evaluative perspective.

It involves a scholarly examination that aims to uncover the work’s strengths and weaknesses, its underlying messages, and its impact on readers.

Critique is an integral part of literary analysis, providing a deeper understanding of the text’s artistic and intellectual qualities while facilitating scholarly discourse and interpretation.

Types of Critique

Type	Explanation	Example
Literary Critique	Involves analyzing and evaluating literary works, including novels, poems, plays, and essays, focusing on aspects such as plot, character development, themes, and literary techniques.	Critiquing the symbolism and allegory in George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.”
Artistic Critique	Assesses visual and performance arts like paintings, sculptures, music, and theater. It considers aspects such as composition, aesthetics, technique, and the artist’s intention.	Critiquing the use of color and lighting in Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
Academic Critique	Evaluates scholarly research, papers, or academic presentations, with a focus on research methods, argument strength, and contribution to a specific field of study.	Peer-reviewing a research article in a scientific journal for validity and relevance.
Film and Media Critique	Examines movies, television shows, documentaries, and media productions, assessing storytelling, cinematography, acting, editing, and the cultural and social impact of the work.	Critiquing the narrative structure and character development in “The Shawshank Redemption.”
Cultural Critique	Analyzes and evaluates cultural artifacts, practices, and phenomena, exploring societal norms, rituals, and representations, often focusing on issues related to identity, power, and values.	Critiquing the portrayal of gender roles in a popular TV series and its impact on viewers’ perceptions.
Social and Political Critique	Focuses on assessing social and political structures, policies, and ideologies, identifying strengths and weaknesses in systems and their impact on individuals and societies.	Critiquing a government’s economic policies and their effects on income inequality.
Literary Theory and Critique	Critiques literature from various theoretical perspectives, such as feminism, postcolonialism, psychoanalysis, and structuralism, exploring how different theories can be applied to literary works.	Applying feminist literary theory to analyze the representation of female characters in Jane Austen’s novels.
Consumer Product Critique	Assesses commercial products and services, offering opinions on quality, functionality, and suitability for the intended purpose, often seen in the form of reviews and ratings.	Writing a detailed review of a new smartphone, evaluating its features, performance, and user-friendliness.
Peer Review	In academic and scientific contexts, experts assess research articles, studies, and grant proposals to ensure their quality and validity, contributing to the credibility of academic work.	Peer-reviewing a research proposal for a grant in the field of medical research to ensure scientific rigor.
Constructive Critique	Focused on providing feedback with the aim of helping creators or authors improve their work, emphasizing specific suggestions for enhancement.	Offering constructive feedback to a budding author, suggesting improvements in character development and pacing in their novel.

Common Examples of Critiques

1. Literary Critique: Analyzing and evaluating a novel’s character development, plot structure, and thematic elements to provide a critical assessment of the work’s literary merit.
2. Art Critique: Offering feedback and evaluation on a contemporary art exhibition, discussing the use of color, composition, and the artist’s intended message in a specific artwork.
3. Film Review: Writing a review of a newly released film, assessing aspects like the plot, cinematography, acting, and overall entertainment value.
4. Academic Paper Review: Providing feedback and peer review for a research paper submitted to an academic journal, evaluating the research methods, data analysis, and the paper’s contribution to the field.
5. Restaurant Critique: Offering a detailed critique of a dining experience at a restaurant, including the quality of food, service, ambiance, and value for money.
6. Product Review: Writing a review of a recently purchased product, evaluating its performance, features, durability, and whether it met the user’s expectations.
7. Music Review: Critiquing a music album or concert, discussing the composition, lyrics, instrumental arrangements, and the overall impact of the music on the listener.
8. Theater Critique: Providing a critical assessment of a theatrical performance, commenting on the actors’ performances, set design, direction, and how well the play conveyed its themes.
9. Literary Theory Critique: Applying a specific literary theory, such as postcolonialism or psychoanalysis, to analyze a classic literary work, offering insights into how the theory enhances the understanding of the text.
10. Policy Critique: Evaluating a government or organizational policy, discussing its effectiveness, potential drawbacks, and its impact on the affected stakeholders.
11. Fashion Critique: Assessing a fashion designer’s collection, commenting on the use of materials, design elements, and how well the collection adheres to current fashion trends.
12. Architecture Critique: Evaluating a building or architectural project, discussing its design, functionality, and its integration with the surrounding environment.
13. Social Commentary: Critiquing a societal issue or phenomenon, such as income inequality or gender bias, offering insights, perspectives, and possible solutions.
14. Book Review: Writing a critique of a non-fiction book, discussing the author’s arguments, the reliability of the research, and the book’s contribution to the subject matter.
15. Performance Evaluation: Assessing an employee’s performance in a workplace, discussing their strengths, areas for improvement, and how well they meet job expectations.

Shakespearean Critiques

1. Literary Critique of “Hamlet”: Scholars and literary critics have extensively critiqued “Hamlet” for its complex characters, intricate plot, and themes of madness, revenge, and mortality. They analyze the play’s use of soliloquies, character psychology, and the portrayal of political turmoil.
2. Feminist Critique of Shakespeare’s Heroines: Feminist critiques examine the representation of women in Shakespeare’s works, analyzing characters like Juliet, Ophelia, and Lady Macbeth to discuss gender roles, power dynamics, and female agency.
3. Postcolonial Critique of “The Tempest”: “The Tempest” has been critiqued through a postcolonial lens, exploring themes of colonialism, cultural imperialism, and the treatment of “otherness” in the character of Caliban.
4. Psychoanalytic Critique of “Othello”: Psychoanalytic critiques delve into the psychology of Shakespearean characters, like Othello, Iago, and Desdemona, to analyze their motivations, desires, and the impact of their subconscious minds on their actions.
5. Marxist Critique of Class Struggles in “Macbeth”: A Marxist critique of “Macbeth” looks at the play’s themes of ambition and power as reflections of class struggles and economic disparities, with Macbeth’s rise to power being an allegory for the acquisition of wealth and social status.
6. Historical Critique of “Henry IV, Part 1”: Historical critiques focus on the historical accuracy of Shakespeare’s history plays. In “Henry IV, Part 1,” critics explore how the play portrays the conflict between Prince Hal and Hotspur in the context of English history.
7. Cultural Critique of Race in “Othello”: Critics examine the portrayal of Othello, a Moor, and the themes of racism and cultural prejudice within the play, exploring how it reflects Elizabethan and contemporary attitudes toward race.
8. Literary Theory Application to “Hamlet”: Applying various literary theories (e.g., structuralism, deconstruction, psychoanalysis) to “Hamlet” offers different interpretations of the play’s themes, characters, and narrative structure, showcasing its versatility and depth.
9. Performance Critique of Shakespearean Productions: Critics often evaluate modern productions of Shakespeare’s plays, discussing directorial choices, acting performances, and how the plays are adapted to resonate with contemporary audiences.
10. Shakespearean Sonnet Analysis: Critiques of Shakespeare’s sonnets explore their themes of love, beauty, time, and immortality, dissecting the poetic techniques and language used in these 154 short poems.

Suggested Readings

1. Eagleton, Terry. Literary Theory: An Introduction. Blackwell, 2008.
2. Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison. Vintage Books, 1995.
3. Jameson, Fredric. The Political Unconscious: Narrative as a Socially Symbolic Act. Cornell University Press, 1981.
4. Said, Edward W. Orientalism. Vintage Books, 1979.
5. Sontag, Susan. Against Interpretation and Other Essays. Picador, 2001.
6. Spivak, Gayatri Chakravorty. In Other Worlds: Essays in Cultural Politics. Methuen, 1988.
7. Williams, Raymond. Culture and Society: 1780-1950. Columbia University Press, 1983.
8. Wood, James. The Broken Estate: Essays on Literature and Belief. Modern Library, 2000.