What is Literary Theory?
Audio Lecture ⟨ ▷ ⟩ I define literary theory as "a set of assumptions and arguments from a particula…
Criticism and Theory
Understanding Text in Literary Theory
Definition of a Text A text is any object that can be "read," such as a literary work, a street sign, architectural designs, or even…
Who is a Critic and What is Literary Criticism?
Who is a Critic? A critic is someone who assesses and provides opinions on creative works, such as literature, art, music, film, a…
Samuel Johnson's From Milton Summary & Key Points
Life and Legacy of John Milton (1608–1674) Samuel Johnson and His Contributions Overview Notable Achievements: Samuel Johnson, a le…
An Essay of Dramatic Poesy by Dryden: Summary & Key Points
Introduction John Dryden wrote "An Essay of Dramatic Poesy" in 1668 to explore and defend the qualities of English drama against the r…
Summary of An Apology for Poetry by Philip Sidney
Introduction to the Work Author: Philip Sidney , an influential figure in Elizabethan literature. Written: Around 1580 during the Renaissan…
Summary of Aristotle's Poetics: All Key Terms Defined
Aristotle's Poetics is a foundational text in literary theory and criticism, exploring the principles of dramatic and poetic art. It offers…
Aristotle's Defense of Poetry in Response to Plato
Aristotle's Poetics serves as a robust counterpoint to Plato's critique of poetry outlined in The Republic . While Plato viewed poetry …
Plato's Critique on Poetry in The Republic
Plato's philosophical endeavors in The Republic aim to construct an ideal state rooted in justice and governed by reason. Within this frame…
Glossary of Key Terms from The Republic by Plato
Aporia Aporia is the Greek term for a state of confusion or helplessness—when a person realizes they do not have a clear answer to a philosophical …
Critical Analysis of The Republic by Plato
The Republic is less of a practical guide for future policy and more of a set of bold provocations. It is one of the most influential philosophica…
The Republic by Plato - Full Work Summary
In The Republic , Plato seeks to answer fundamental questions about justice, both at the societal and individual levels. The central inquiry is: Why…
Derrida's Critique of Logocentrism: The Deconstruction of the World
Language, as the carrier of culture’s ideologies, forms the foundation of our perception and self-conception. For Derrida, language is our “ground o…