Famous Literary Critics – How Remarkable Minds Shape Literature

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Famous literary critics have impacted the literary landscape throughout history. Their remarkable minds and keen insights have influenced readers’ interpretations of literary works. They have deepened our understanding of the nuances in a variety of texts.

From historic figures to modern-day voices, literary critics contribute significantly to literature. Thereby impacting our lives positively. They have taken a variety of approaches, which include:

• historical,
• biographical, and
• philosophical perspectives.

A diverse array of critics represent different nationalities, schools of thought, and areas of expertise. And they offer readers their take on the works of literature. This exceptional pool of knowledge and wisdom has nurtured the growth of literary appreciation and fostered a deeper understanding of the role of books in our lives.

Historical Overview of Famous Literary Critics

Renaissance Era

The Renaissance Era, from the 14th to the 17th centuries, marked a significant period in the development of literary criticism. Humanism, an intellectual movement emphasising study of the humanities, paved the way for new perspectives on literature. Influential critics from this period include:

• Marsilio Ficino,
• Lorenzo Valla, and
• Leonardo Bruni.

Ficino’s translation of Plato’s works led to a renewed interest in Platonic philosophy and its implications for literature, while Valla’s studies in rhetoric and Latin enabled a more critical examination of classical texts. In the same vein, Bruni’s translations and commentaries promoted classical literature appreciation, leading to a flourishing literary landscape in the Renaissance Era.

Enlightenment Era

The 18th-century Enlightenment Era brought a rational and scientific approach to literary criticism. Critics focused on developing new methodologies, such as analysing works based on their historical and cultural context. Key figures of this era include:

• Samuel Johnson,
• Alexander Pope, and
• Denis Diderot.

Johnson’s works provided insightful analyses of literature and inspired future critics, while Pope’s – An Essay on Criticism – became one of the first significant works to examine poetic theory in English. Diderot’s contribution to the – Encyclopedia – likewise showcased literary criticism as an essential field in understanding the arts.

Modern Era

The Modern Era, from the late 19th century to the present day, reflects critical theories and approaches that dominate contemporary literary discourse. Prominent critics include:

• Sigmund Freud – Freud’s psychoanalytical theory influenced a new understanding of literary characters and authors, evaluating their unconscious motivations.
• T.S. Eliot – In his influential essay Tradition and the Individual Talent, Eliot argues that a poet’s work should be evaluated within its historical context and literary tradition. and
• Roland Barthes – A key figure in structuralism and post-structuralism, Roland Barthes introduced theories that questioned authorial intention, promoting the reader’s role in interpreting literary works.

British Famous Literary Critics

William Hazlitt

William Hazlitt was an influential British literary critic and essayist of the Romantic period. Born in 1778, he began his career as a painter but gradually transitioned to writing. And he became known for his insightful and candid essays on literary and artistic criticism.

His works include:

• Characters of Shakespeare’s Plays,
• The Spirit of the Age, and
• Table Talk.

Hazlitt’s enduring legacy lies in his ability to perceive and articulate the significance of authors and their works, helping to shape the literary canon during his time.

F.R. Leavis

Frank Raymond (F.R.) Leavis was a prominent British literary critic and educator. Born in 1895, he influenced the development of English literature studies in the 20th century. Leavis was a lecturer at the University of Cambridge, where he shaped the faculty’s approach to teaching English literature.

He combined a keen analytical mind with a moralistic outlook. And he asserted the value of literature to cultivate a sense of humanity.

His works include:

• The Great Tradition,
• The Common Pursuit, and
• New Bearings in English Poetry.

Leavis’s contributions to literary criticism remain highly respected and continue to inform contemporary analyses of literature.

Harold Bloom

Born in 1930 in America, Harold Bloom is one of the most notable famous literary critics. He frequently discussed British literary works and had an immense impact on the field. Bloom started his career as a professor at Yale University, where he became known for his prodigious intellect and unique approach to literary criticism.

He was a staunch defender of the Western literary canon against deconstructionist and postmodern critiques. And he emphasised the importance of aesthetic and individual talent. These 3, among his many works, stand out as particularly influential.

• The Anxiety of Influence,
• The Western Canon, and
• Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human

Bloom’s distinctive voice in literary criticism continued to engage audiences and provoke debate until his death in 2019.

American Famous Literary Critics

Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe was American. Apart from writing and editing, he contributed to the world of literary criticism in the 19th century. He was best known for his dark, gothic, and mysterious works.

Poe played a pivotal role in the development of the short story genre and the establishment of American Romanticism. As a critic, he scrutinised the works of the writers of his time. And he emphasised style, originality, and influence as important aspects of literary merit.

Henry James

Henry James was a prominent writer and critic who significantly influenced the landscape of American literature. Born in the United States, James moved to England and adopted British citizenship. But his literary criticism remained important on both sides of the Atlantic.

He was particularly concerned with the growth and progress of the novel. And he believed it should serve as a mirror for human thought and emotion. With this perspective, James helped shape the trajectory of literary realism and modernism in his analyses and critiques.

Michiko Kakutani

Michiko Kakutani has gained substantial recognition for her work as a literary critic for the New York Times. Known for her astute observations, clear prose, and intelligent criticism, Kakutani has had a strong influence over the literary scene for several decades.

Through her critiques, she has offered readers insights into the complexities of various works, often highlighting their cultural relevance and contribution to the literary canon. While her critiques may, at times, be considered blunt and unforgiving, Kakutani’s dedication to quality in literature remains evident through her vast body of work.

Influential Female Literary Critics

Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf was a prominent English writer and literary critic during the early 20th century. She is best known for her pioneering work in modernist literature. And among her best-known works are the novels:

• Mrs. Dalloway,
• To the Lighthouse, and
• Orlando.

As a critic, Woolf contributed significantly to the development of feminist literary theory and the understanding of women’s role in literature. Her 1929 essay, A Room of One’s Own, remains a significant feminist text that addresses the challenges faced by women writers, emphasising the importance of financial independence and creative space.

Judith Fetterley

Judith Fetterley is an American literary critic and scholar, known for her influential work in feminist literary criticism. Her groundbreaking book, The Resisting Reader, published in 1978, introduced the concept of resisting reading. The reader actively challenges the patriarchal assumptions within the literary text. Fetterley’s work was crucial in the development of feminist criticism. She encouraged readers to question the traditional male-centred perspectives in literature and explore alternative interpretations of literary works.

Elaine Showalter

Elaine Showalter is an esteemed American literary critic, known for her significant contributions to feminist literary theory. She is famous for her concept of gynocriticism, a woman-centred approach to literary analysis. And her 1977 work, A Literature of their Own, examines the female literary tradition.

In it, Showalter analyses the evolution of the female literary tradition through three distinct phases. And she highlights the development of women’s literature and identifies its unique characteristics. Showalter’s work has profoundly shaped the understanding of women’s contributions to the literary world.

Critics of the 21st Century

As literary criticism evolves in the 21st century, we hear new voices, perspectives, and innovations. Among the most influential modern critics are those who are recognised for their depth of understanding in literature.  And their ability to communicate their insights in a clear and concise manner makes them even more influential.

Dwight Garner

Dwight Garner is one of the most distinguished literary critics of the 21st century. Garner is known for his work at The New York Times, where he offers engaging and compelling reviews of contemporary literature. His insights highlight the unique qualities of each book he evaluates, allowing readers to discover new authors or revisit timeless classics.

Jennifer Szalai

Jennifer Szalai is another esteemed critic who has also written for The New York Times. Szalai’s critiques often focus on nonfiction works, particularly history, politics, and social issues. Her writing style is insightful, engaging, and thought-provoking, challenging readers to consider the broader implications of the books she reviews.

Ursula K. Le Guin

Turning to the realm of speculative fiction, Ursula K. Le Guin was not just an acclaimed writer but also a respected critic within her field. Though she passed away in 2018, her influence on the literary world still resonates. Le Guin’s critical essays, such as those found in her collection The Language of the Night, provide valuable commentary on sci-fi and fantasy literature, shedding light on the genre’s unique capacity to explore our humanness.

Molly Young

Molly Young is admired for her razor-sharp wit and incisive observations on literature, art, and culture. Young is a contributing writer for The New York Times and has also written for numerous other publications, such as GQ, Elle, and New York Magazine. Her ability to break down complex works and distill them into crisp, engaging critiques has earned her a significant following.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the history of literary criticism, many brilliant minds have contributed to the field. They have shaped and transformed the understanding of literature.

Most notable of the influential figures mentioned in this article is Harold Bloom. Bloom was renowned for his impeccable knowledge and insight into literature. And he was one of the most highly regarded of famous literary critics in the English-speaking world.

Aside from Bloom, there are numerous other critics who have made notable contributions to the field. These critics possess a wide range of backgrounds and employ differing critical approaches to literature. Diversity has enriched the practice of literary criticism, allowing deeper and more nuanced exploration of literary works.

By examining the works and ideas of famous critics, we gain valuable insights into the complex world of literature and can appreciate the power and beauty of the written word in more depth. The critics expertise, theories, and methods guide those who wish to explore literary works in depth.

T.S. Eliot puts it most succinctly.

The critic should possess the courage to correct the errors of the past, and to point out the road to new attainments.

T.S. Eliot.

The contributions of great literary critics have significantly shaped the study and evaluation of literature, providing readers and scholars with the tools necessary to delve deeper into the myriad worlds that literature reveals. Their intellectual rigor, curiosity, and critical acumen continue to inspire and inform future generations of literary critics. Thus, ensuring the field remains vibrant and vital well into the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What famous works have been written by American literary critics?

Notable works written by American literary critics include:

• Edgar Allan Poe’s – Critical essays and reviews. In addition to his famous tales and poems, Poe was a prolific literary critic who contributed to developing the detective story genre.
• James Baldwin’s – Notes of a Native Son – a collection of essays that provide incisive analysis and commentary on literature, race, and American society.
• Susan Sontag’s – Against Interpretation – a groundbreaking work that explores the intersection of art, literature, and culture.

Who are some prominent 21st century literary critics?

Prominent 21st century literary critics include:

• Zadie Smith – known primarily as a novelist, she has written numerous essays on literature and culture. They reflect on the works of other writers and the role of the critic.
• Marjorie Perloff – a scholar of modernist and postmodernist poetry, she has been a major figure in literary theory. Perloff sheds light on the work of avant-garde poets and the development of experimental writing.
• Hilton Als – a staff writer for The New Yorker, is known for his insightful essays on visual art, theatre, and literature. This is demonstrated in his collection White Girls.

What are the key developments in literary criticism and theory?

In the 20th and 21st centuries, literary criticism and theory have seen numerous developments, including:

• Formalism and New Criticism – focused on close readings of the text, examining the structure, language, and internal contradictions within a literary work.
• Structuralism – explored the underlying systems and structures that underpin literature and culture.
• Deconstruction – associated with philosopher Jacques Derrida, challenged the notion of stable meaning in texts and emphasised the instability of language.
• Postcolonial Theory – emerged as an interdisciplinary approach that examines the historical, political, and cultural context of literature produced in the colonised and postcolonial world.

These are a few examples of the critical approaches that have shaped contemporary literary scholarship.

Why not Join Us

If you enjoyed this article, we would like to offer you two gifts – our Starter Pack of 4 James King’s books and our Weekly Digest, which you can receive by email.