What do you understand as the primary objective of literary criticism?

The primary objective of literary criticism is to analyze and evaluate works of literature in order to gain a deeper understanding of their meaning, structure, and artistic qualities. Literary criticism seeks to interpret and assess the artistic and intellectual aspects of literary texts, providing insights into their themes, characters, narrative techniques, and cultural or historical contexts. Here are some key goals and purposes of literary criticism:

Interpretation: 

Literary criticism aims to interpret and decipher the meaning and significance of a literary work. It seeks to uncover the underlying themes, symbols, and messages conveyed by the author.

Evaluation: 

Critics assess the artistic merit and quality of a work of literature. They may examine the effectiveness of the author's writing style, character development, plot construction, and other literary elements.

Contextualization: 

Critics often place literary works within their historical, cultural, and social contexts. This helps readers understand how a text reflects or responds to the period in which it was written and the issues of its time.

Comparison: 

Literary criticism may involve comparing a work to other works by the same author, works from the same literary period, or works with similar themes. This comparative analysis can provide insights into an author's development and unique contributions.

Reader Response: 

Critics may consider how readers from different backgrounds and perspectives interpret and engage with a text. Understanding various reader responses can shed light on the diversity of meanings a text can generate.

Theory and Frameworks: 

Literary criticism often employs various theoretical frameworks and approaches, such as formalism, structuralism, psychoanalysis, feminism, postcolonialism, and more. These frameworks offer different lenses through which to analyze and understand literature.

Appreciation and Enjoyment: 

While criticism involves analytical and sometimes scholarly approaches, it also aims to enhance readers' appreciation and enjoyment of literature. It can provide valuable insights that deepen one's connection to a text.

Literary History: 

Critics contribute to the ongoing discussion and development of literary history by assessing the significance of individual works within the broader literary canon.

Influence and Legacy:

 Literary criticism may examine the influence of a particular work on subsequent literature and culture. It can explore an author's enduring impact on the world of literature.

Overall, literary criticism serves as a tool for both scholars and readers to engage with literature on a more profound level, fostering a deeper understanding of literary works and their role in shaping human culture and thought.