Poetic Theory & Criticism: Ultimate UGC NET Guide
Master the evolution of poetic theory from classical to modern times for your UGC NET English Literature preparation
Introduction to Poetic Theory & Criticism
Poetic theory and criticism form the foundation of literary studies, tracing the evolution of how we understand, analyze, and appreciate poetry. This comprehensive guide covers all essential critics, movements, and concepts for UGC NET aspirants.
Why This Unit Matters for UGC NET
Poetic Theory & Criticism typically carries 5-8 questions in UGC NET English. Key areas include:
- Classical critics: Aristotle, Longinus, Horace
- Renaissance and Neoclassical critics
- Romantic theory and its critics
- Modernist approaches to poetry
- New Criticism and formalist approaches
- Contemporary critical theories applied to poetry
Classical Poetic Theory
The foundation of Western poetic theory was laid by these ancient critics:
Greek philosopher whose Poetics established foundational concepts of poetry and drama.
- Mimesis: Art as imitation of nature
- Catharsis: Purgation of pity and fear through tragedy
- Plot Structure: Unity of action, reversal (peripeteia), recognition (anagnorisis)
- Difference between poetry and history
Author of On the Sublime, focusing on the transcendent quality of great literature.
- Five Sources of Sublimity: Grandeur of thought, strong emotion, figures of speech, noble diction, dignified composition
- Distinction between the sublime and the merely rhetorical
- Influence on Romantic theory
Roman poet whose Ars Poetica established neoclassical principles.
- Dulce et utile: Poetry should be "sweet and useful"
- Decorum: Appropriateness of style to subject
- Unity of plot and consistency of character
Key Classical Concepts
Mimesis
Art as imitation of nature (Aristotle)
Catharsis
Purgation of emotions through tragedy
Hamartia
Tragic flaw leading to protagonist's downfall
Sublime
Quality of greatness beyond measurement (Longinus)
Renaissance & Neoclassical Criticism
Revival and reinterpretation of classical ideas during the Renaissance and Enlightenment:
Sir Philip Sidney (1554-1586)
An Apology for Poetry: Defense of poetry against Puritan attacks
John Dryden (1631-1700)
Essay of Dramatic Poesy: Comparative analysis of ancient and modern drama
Alexander Pope (1688-1744)
Essay on Criticism: Neoclassical principles in heroic couplets
Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)
Preface to Shakespeare: Defense of Shakespeare's mixing of genres
Key Neoclassical Principles
- Imitation of classical models: Especially Greek and Roman literature
- Decorum: Appropriateness of style to subject matter
- Verisimilitude: Appearance of truth or reality
- Didactic purpose: Literature should instruct as well as delight
- Unity of time, place, and action: In drama especially
Romantic Poetic Theory
Revolutionary approaches to poetry in the late 18th and early 19th centuries:
Author of the seminal Preface to Lyrical Ballads (1802).
- Poetry as "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings"
- Use of "language really used by men"
- Focus on rustic life and nature
- Concept of "emotion recollected in tranquility"
Co-author of Lyrical Ballads and author of Biographia Literaria.
- Distinction between Fancy and Imagination
- Primary vs. Secondary Imagination
- Willing suspension of disbelief
- Organic form in poetry
Author of A Defence of Poetry (1821).
- "Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world"
- Poetry as an instrument of moral good
- Concept of poetic inspiration
Key Romantic Concepts
- Emphasis on individual experience and emotion
- Celebration of nature and the ordinary
- Rejection of neoclassical rules and conventions
- Poet as visionary and prophet
- Organic rather than mechanical form
Modernist & New Criticism
20th century approaches focusing on the text itself:
T.S. Eliot (1888-1965)
Tradition and the Individual Talent: Impersonal theory of poetry
I.A. Richards (1893-1979)
Practical Criticism: Close reading techniques
Cleanth Brooks (1906-1994)
The Well Wrought Urn: Paradox and irony in poetry
William Empson (1906-1984)
Seven Types of Ambiguity: Complexity of poetic language
Key Concepts of New Criticism
- Intentional Fallacy: Meaning ≠ author's intention
- Affective Fallacy: Meaning ≠ reader's emotional response
- Close Reading: Detailed textual analysis
- Organic Unity: Interdependence of form and content
- Paradox, Irony, Ambiguity: As poetic virtues
Historical Timeline of Poetic Theory
Aristotle's Poetics establishes foundational concepts
Longinus' On the Sublime explores transcendent literature
Sidney's An Apology for Poetry defends poetic art
Dryden's Essay of Dramatic Poesy compares ancient and modern drama
Wordsworth's Preface to Lyrical Ballads launches Romanticism
Coleridge's Biographia Literaria develops theory of Imagination
Eliot's Tradition and the Individual Talent introduces Modernist theory
Brooks' The Well Wrought Urn exemplifies New Criticism
UGC NET Preparation Tips
Important Questions to Focus On
- Compare Aristotle's and Longinus' approaches to poetry
- Analyze Wordsworth's concept of poetic diction
- Discuss Coleridge's distinction between Fancy and Imagination
- Examine Eliot's theory of impersonality in poetry
- Compare neoclassical and romantic theories of poetry
- Analyze the key principles of New Criticism
- Discuss Sidney's defense of poetry against Puritan attacks
- Examine the concept of the sublime in Longinus and its later influence
Recommended Study Approach
- Read key theoretical texts (excerpts from Poetics, Preface to Lyrical Ballads, etc.)
- Make comparative charts of different critical approaches
- Practice applying theories to specific poems
- Study the historical development of poetic theory
- Solve previous years' UGC NET questions on this unit
Memory Aid: Poetic Theory at a Glance
Classical: Aristotle (mimesis, catharsis), Longinus (sublime)
Neoclassical: Sidney, Dryden, Pope (rules, decorum)
Romantic: Wordsworth, Coleridge (imagination, emotion)
Modernist/New Criticism: Eliot, Brooks (close reading, paradox)
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