I WANT to talk about the historical interpretation of literature — that is, about the interpretation of literature in its social, economic, and political aspects. To begin with, it will be worth while ...

THE value that men have set upon art and literature proves that these have ministered to some deep-seated and permanent human desire. What is this desire ? Or if there be more than one, which is the ...

J onathan Kramnick’s book Criticism and Truth is more modest than its title suggests. Essentially an apologia for the nuts-and-bolts work of literary studies, it is best described not as “ambitious” — ...

Of the character sketches that the English satirist Samuel Butler wrote in the mid-seventeenth century—among them “A Degenerate Noble,” “A Huffing Courtier,” “A Small Poet,” and “A Romance Writer”—the ...

The notion of constructive criticism or complaints is bogus. Children dislike criticism, as do colleagues, spouses, students and just about anyone else. Criticism stings. Yet honesty is essential ...

How we give our feedback influences how it is heard. If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you’re familiar with the idea of a “howler.” In the wizarding world, irate parents can send a magical letter that ...

Constructive criticism can benefit professionals in every industry. Gaining a clearer perspective on their performance can help a person grow if they’re open to the input. However, there’s a ...

Although any form of criticism can feel like a personal attack to the highly sensitive soul, the ability to listen and respond to feedback is necessary to make it in the industry. Taking constructive ...