In “Anatomy of Criticism,” Northrop Frye identifies four primary types of literary criticism, each corresponding to a different aspect of literature and focusing on distinct elements of literary analysis.
These four types are:
- Historical Criticism: Historical criticism focuses on the historical context surrounding a work of literature, including the author’s life, the cultural and social milieu in which the work was produced, and the historical events that may have influenced the text. This type of criticism seeks to understand the ways in which literature reflects and responds to its historical moment, as well as the ways in which it may be shaped by broader historical forces.
- Biographical Criticism: Biographical criticism centers on the life and experiences of the author as a means of interpreting and understanding their work. This approach examines the ways in which the author’s personal background, beliefs, and experiences may have informed the themes, characters, and narrative techniques employed in their writing. Biographical criticism seeks to uncover the connections between the author’s life and their literary output, exploring the ways in which personal experience may be reflected in their work.
- Formal Criticism: Formal criticism focuses on the formal elements of literature, such as structure, style, language, and genre. This type of criticism examines the technical aspects of a text, including its use of plot, character, setting, symbolism, and narrative technique. Formal criticism seeks to identify recurring patterns, motifs, and conventions within a work of literature, as well as the ways in which these formal elements contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the text.
- Archetypal Criticism: Archetypal criticism, also known as mythological criticism, focuses on the recurring patterns, symbols, and themes that appear across different works of literature and mythology. This type of criticism draws on the concept of archetypes, or universal symbols and motifs that are deeply embedded in the collective unconscious. Archetypal criticism seeks to identify and interpret these archetypal patterns within literature, exploring the ways in which they reflect fundamental human experiences, emotions, and conflicts.
These four types of criticism represent different approaches to the study and interpretation of literature, each offering valuable insights into the ways in which literary texts may be understood and analyzed. Frye’s “Anatomy of Criticism” provides a comprehensive framework for understanding these various approaches and their respective contributions to literary scholarship.