Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was I.A. Richards trying to eliminate from students' poetry analysis?
What was I.A. Richards trying to eliminate from students' poetry analysis?
- Awareness of the historical context (correct)
- Information about the author (correct)
- Knowledge of the language used
- Understanding of personal emotions
What does 'organised response' involve according to I.A. Richards?
What does 'organised response' involve according to I.A. Richards?
- General emotional reactions
- Detailed attention to linguistic elements (correct)
- Multiple choice evaluation
- Limited focus on key themes
Which book did William Empson write that expanded on Richard's ideas?
Which book did William Empson write that expanded on Richard's ideas?
- The Art of Criticism
- Understanding Poetry
- Practical Criticism
- Seven Types of Ambiguity (correct)
What was one key benefit of Practical Criticism highlighted by I.A. Richards?
What was one key benefit of Practical Criticism highlighted by I.A. Richards?
What does the concept of four types of meaning suggest?
What does the concept of four types of meaning suggest?
What approach did Richards use to test his students' understanding of poetry?
What approach did Richards use to test his students' understanding of poetry?
The primary focus of Practical Criticism is on:
The primary focus of Practical Criticism is on:
Which statement best reflects a common misconception students have about poetry?
Which statement best reflects a common misconception students have about poetry?
Practical Criticism primarily trains readers to:
Practical Criticism primarily trains readers to:
What is the implication of analyzing poetry without background information?
What is the implication of analyzing poetry without background information?
What does the 'sense' of a statement refer to?
What does the 'sense' of a statement refer to?
Which of the following best describes the 'tone' of a piece of writing?
Which of the following best describes the 'tone' of a piece of writing?
In IA Richards' analysis, what typically dominates in scientific writing?
In IA Richards' analysis, what typically dominates in scientific writing?
What is the primary intention behind a political speech like 'We shall fight on the beaches!'?
What is the primary intention behind a political speech like 'We shall fight on the beaches!'?
What common issue do students face when analyzing poetry according to IA Richards?
What common issue do students face when analyzing poetry according to IA Richards?
Which title is correctly attributed to IA Richards?
Which title is correctly attributed to IA Richards?
How should feeling interact with sense in poetry according to the content?
How should feeling interact with sense in poetry according to the content?
What does the 'intention' of a writer represent?
What does the 'intention' of a writer represent?
Which type of writing typically features a professional and formal tone?
Which type of writing typically features a professional and formal tone?
What should readers try to identify to enhance their understanding of a text?
What should readers try to identify to enhance their understanding of a text?
Flashcards
Practical Criticism
Practical Criticism
A method of literary analysis that focuses solely on the text itself, without prior knowledge of the author, historical context, or background information.
Organized Response
Organized Response
A way of reading a text critically, paying attention to every detail in the language, considering the meaning of each word, and understanding your emotional response to the text.
I.A. Richards
I.A. Richards
A British literary critic who pioneered practical criticism, emphasizing close reading of texts independently of author or context.
Four Types of Meaning
Four Types of Meaning
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Unseen Text Analysis
Unseen Text Analysis
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Multiple Layers of Meaning
Multiple Layers of Meaning
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Close Reading
Close Reading
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William Empson
William Empson
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Subjective Exams
Subjective Exams
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Wordsworth
Wordsworth
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Sense (in language)
Sense (in language)
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Feeling (in writing)
Feeling (in writing)
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Tone (in writing)
Tone (in writing)
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Intention (in writing)
Intention (in writing)
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Scientific writing - dominant element
Scientific writing - dominant element
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Political speech - dominant element
Political speech - dominant element
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IA Richards's role
IA Richards's role
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Practical Criticism (book)
Practical Criticism (book)
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Meaning of Meaning (book)
Meaning of Meaning (book)
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Principles of Literary Criticism (book)
Principles of Literary Criticism (book)
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Study Notes
Practical Criticism
- Practical Criticism is a method of literary analysis that focuses on the text itself, disregarding authorial intent or historical context.
- I.A. Richards pioneered this approach at Cambridge University in the 1920s.
- Students were encouraged to focus on the "words on the page" rather than pre-existing knowledge about the author.
- Practical Criticism aims to develop an "organised response," which involves close attention to details, careful consideration of word meanings, and an understanding of personal emotional reactions to the text.
Four Types of Meaning
- Every piece of writing (including poetry) contains four types of meaning, as per I.A. Richards.
- Sense: The literal meaning of the words and statements.
- Feeling: The author's emotional response to the topic.
- Tone: The author's attitude towards the audience or reader.
- Intention: The author's purpose or goal in writing.
Examples of Dominant Meaning Types in Different Genres
-
Scientific Writing: "Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius."
- Sense: Dominates, offering clear factual information.
- Feeling: Limited - objective, detached.
- Tone: Professional, formal.
- Intention: To inform.
-
Political Speech: "We shall fight on the beaches!"
- Sense: Clear reference to a location.
- Feeling: Dominant, evoking emotional response in the audience.
- Tone: Inspiring, rallying.
- Intention: To motivate and unite.
Importance of Practical Criticism
- Crucial for analyzing unseen texts in subjective exams (e.g., poems).
- Helps to evaluate multiple layers of meaning in texts.
- Practical Criticism skills help with understanding diverse writing styles.
Key Works by I.A. Richards
- The Meaning of Meaning (co-authored with C.K. Ogden)
- Principles of Literary Criticism (1924)
- Practical Criticism (1929)
- The Philosophy of Rhetoric (1936)
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