From Plato to Present: A Swift Journey Through Timeless Texts in Literary Criticism in One Sitting

Here’s a structured brief outline of literary criticism and theory from ancient times to the present era.

Ancient Literary Criticism

Greek Criticism

Plato (428/427 – 348/347 BCE)

• The Republic: Art as Imitation (Mimesis) The Allegory of the Cave: Reality vs. Illusion Critique of Poetry: Poetry as misleading and morally corrupting.
• Ion: The Role of the Poet: Divine inspiration vs. technical skill. Poetic Madness: The idea that poets are possessed by divine forces.

Aristotle (384 – 322 BCE)

• Poetics: Definition of Tragedy: "An imitation of an action that is serious, complete, and of a certain magnitude." Elements of Tragedy: Plot, Character, Thought, Diction, Melody, and Spectacle. Catharsis: Emotional purging of pity and fear.
• Rhetoric: Art of Persuasion: Ethos (character), Pathos (emotion), Logos (logic).

Roman Criticism

Horace (65 – 8 BCE)

• Ars Poetica (The Art of Poetry): Literary Decorum: Fittingness in style and subject. Unity of Action: A coherent and complete plot. Moral Instruction: Literature's role in teaching and delighting.

Longinus (1st century CE)

• On the Sublime: Concept of Sublimity: Transcendent quality that lifts the audience. Sources of Sublimity: Great thoughts, strong emotions, certain figures of speech, noble diction, and dignified composition.

Medieval Literary Criticism

Early Christian Criticism

St. Augustine (354 – 430 CE)

• De Doctrina Christiana (On Christian Doctrine): Interpretation of Scripture: Literal vs. Allegorical meanings. Use of Pagan Literature: Adaptation of classical rhetoric for Christian teachings.

Scholastic Criticism

Thomas Aquinas (1225 – 1274)

• Summa Theologica: Integration of Aristotelian philosophy with Christian theology. The Nature of Beauty: Proportionality, clarity, and integrity.

Dante Alighieri (1265 – 1321)

• The Divine Comedy: Allegory: Multi-layered meanings in the narrative. The Role of the Poet: Guide and interpreter of divine truth.

Renaissance Literary Criticism

Humanism and Classical Revival

Giovanni Boccaccio (1313 – 1375)

• Genealogia Deorum Gentilium (Genealogy of the Pagan Gods): Defense of Poetry: Poetry as a source of knowledge and pleasure. Allegorical Interpretation: Mythology as moral and philosophical allegories.

Francesco Petrarca (Petrarch) (1304 – 1374)

• Letter to Posterity: Humanism: Emphasis on classical antiquity and human potential. Poetry as a Form of Personal Expression: Exploration of personal emotions and experiences.

16th Century Literary Criticism

Sir Philip Sidney (1554 – 1586)

• An Apology for Poetry (Defense of Poesy): Défense of Poetry: Against Puritan attacks on imaginative literature. Poetry as Teaching and Delight: The dual purpose of moral instruction and enjoyment. Comparison with Other Arts: Superiority of poetry over history and philosophy.

Pierre de Ronsard (1524 – 1585)

• A Continuation of the Defence of the French Language: National Literature: Promotion of French language and literature. Imitation and Innovation: Balancing classical models with creative originality.

Elizabethan Criticism

George Puttenham (1529 – 1590)

• The Arte of English Poesie: Rhetorical Devices: Detailed analysis of figures of speech and their effects. Poetic Form and Structure: Guidelines for composing English poetry.

Roger Ascham (1515 – 1568)

• The Schoolmaster: Educational Reform: Advocating for the teaching of classical literature. Influence of Classical Models: Importance of imitation for developing literary skill.

Key Themes in Early Literary Criticism

• Mimesis: The imitation of reality in art and literature.
• Decorum: Appropriateness of style to subject matter.
• Catharsis: Emotional purification through art.
• Allegory: The use of symbolic figures and actions to convey deeper meanings.
• Sublimity: The ability of literature to evoke a sense of awe and transcendence.
• Humanism: The focus on human values and the revival of classical learning.
• Poetry’s Dual Role: The balance between teaching moral lessons and providing pleasure.

17th Century Literary Criticism

Neoclassicism

John Dryden (1631 – 1700)

• An Essay of Dramatic Poesy: Defense of English Drama: Against French classical critics. Comparison of Ancient and Modern Drama: Highlighting the strengths of contemporary works. Emphasis on Rules: Unity of time, place, and action.
• Preface to Fables, Ancient and Modern: Translation and Adaptation: Balancing fidelity and creativity.

Nicolas Boileau (1636 – 1711)

• L'Art Poétique: Rules of Classical Poetics: Decorum, clarity, and order. Imitation of the Ancients: Emulating Greek and Roman models. Critique of Baroque Excesses: Advocacy for simplicity and restraint.

Early Enlightenment Criticism

John Locke (1632 – 1704)

• Essay Concerning Human Understanding: Empiricism: Knowledge through experience. Influence on Literature: Impact on narrative realism and character development.

Pierre Bayle (1647 – 1706)

• Historical and Critical Dictionary: Scepticism: Questioning traditional beliefs and authority. Influence on Enlightenment Thinkers: Encouraging critical inquiry and debate.

18th Century Literary Criticism

The Age of Reason

Alexander Pope (1688 – 1744)

• An Essay on Criticism: Guidelines for Critics: Balance of wit and judgment. Critique of Pretentiousness: Satire of pedantic scholars. Importance of Nature: Harmony and order in literature.
• The Dunciad: Satirical Critique: Mocking literary hacks and dullness.

Samuel Johnson (1709 – 1784)

• Preface to Shakespeare: Shakespeare’s Universality: Timeless appeal and exploration of human nature. Critique of Unities: Defense of Shakespeare’s creative liberties. Importance of Moral Instruction: Literature as a tool for ethical reflection.
• The Lives of the Poets: Biographical Criticism: Linking authors' lives to their works. Canon Formation: Establishing a literary tradition.

Enlightenment Criticism

Voltaire (1694 – 1778)

• Letters on the English: Comparative Criticism: Highlighting differences between French and English literature. Advocacy for Freedom of Expression: Critique of censorship and dogma.
• Candide: Satirical Critique: Targeting philosophical optimism and societal hypocrisy.

Denis Diderot (1713 – 1784)

• Encyclopédie: Encyclopedic Knowledge: Compilation of human knowledge, including literary criticism. Critique of Established Norms: Encouragement of innovative and subversive ideas.
• The Paradox of the Actor: Acting Theory: Distinction between actor’s emotions and the role played. Influence on Realism: Prefiguring method acting and realistic performance.

Early Romanticism

Edmund Burke (1729 – 1797)

• A Philosophical Enquiry into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful: Sublime vs. Beautiful: Distinct aesthetic categories. Influence on Romanticism: Emphasis on intense emotional experiences.

Johann Gottfried Herder (1744 – 1803)

• Treatise on the Origin of Language: Cultural Relativism: Language and literature as expressions of cultural identity. Influence on Romantic Nationalism: Celebration of folk traditions and local languages.

19th Century Literary Criticism

Romanticism

William Wordsworth (1770 – 1850)

• Preface to Lyrical Ballads: Emphasis on Emotion: Poetry as the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings." Language of the Common Man: Simplicity and accessibility. Nature and Imagination: Central themes in Romantic poetry.

Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772 – 1834)

• Biographia Literaria: Imagination vs. Fancy: Distinction between creative and mechanical processes. Principles of Criticism: Emphasis on organic form and unity. Symbolism: Deep layers of meaning in literature.

Victorian Criticism

Matthew Arnold (1822 – 1888)

• The Function of Criticism at the Present Time: Criticism vs. Creativity: The role of the critic in society. Disinterestedness: Objectivity and detachment in criticism, Touchstone method.
• Culture and Anarchy: Cultural Criticism: Analysis of social and cultural trends. Influence on Modern Criticism: Foundations for cultural studies.

John Ruskin (1819 – 1900)

• Modern Painters: Critique of Art and Society: Advocacy for truth and morality in art. Influence on Aesthetics: Prefiguring the Arts and Crafts Movement.
• The Stones of Venice: Architectural Criticism: Analysis of Gothic architecture and its cultural significance.

Realism and Naturalism

Henry James (1843 – 1916)

• The Art of Fiction: Craft of Writing: Emphasis on narrative technique and psychological depth. Realism: Detailed portrayal of characters and settings.
• Prefaces to the New York Edition: Self-Criticism: Reflection on his own works and writing process.

émile Zola (1840 – 1902)

• The Experimental Novel: Naturalism: Literature as a scientific experiment. Determinism: Influence of environment and heredity on characters. Social Critique: Exposure of societal issues through fiction.

Aestheticism

Walter Pater (1839 – 1894)

• The Renaissance: Art for Art’s Sake: Emphasis on beauty and aesthetic experience. Influence on Aesthetic Movement: Inspiration for artists and writers like Oscar Wilde.
• Appreciations: Subjective Criticism: Personal and sensory responses to art and literature.

Oscar Wilde (1854 – 1900)

• The Critic as Artist: Defense of Criticism: Criticism as an art form. Paradox and Wit: Use of paradoxical statements to provoke thought.
• The Picture of Dorian Gray: Exploration of Aestheticism: The relationship between art and life.

Key Themes in 17th to 19th Century Literary Criticism

• Neoclassicism: Emphasis on rules, order, and imitation of classical models.
• Enlightenment: Critique of established norms, advocacy for reason and individualism.
• Romanticism: Focus on emotion, imagination, and the sublime.
• Victorian Criticism: Cultural analysis, moralism, and social commentary.
• Realism and Naturalism: Detailed depiction of reality, scientific approach to literature.
• Aestheticism: Celebration of beauty and sensory experiences, art for art’s sake.

Early 20th Century Literary Criticism

Modernism

T.S. Eliot (1888 – 1965)

• Tradition and the Individual Talent: Historical Sense: The importance of literary tradition. Objective Correlative: Technique to evoke emotions. Impersonality in Art: Separating the poet’s personality from their work.

Virginia Woolf (1882 – 1941)

• A Room of One’s Own: Gender and Writing: Challenges faced by women writers. Financial Independence: Essential for creative freedom. Stream of Consciousness: Innovative narrative techniques.

Formalism

Russian Formalism

Viktor Shklovsky (1893 – 1984)

• Defamiliarization: Making the familiar strange to enhance perception. The Theory of Prose: Focus on literary form and technique.

Prague Linguistic Circle

Roman Jakobson (1896 – 1982)

• Functions of Language: Referential, emotive, conative, phatic, metalingual, and poetic functions. Poetic Function: The focus on the message for its own sake.

Mid 20th Century Literary Criticism

New Criticism

Cleanth Brooks (1906 – 1994)

• The Well-Wrought Urn: Close Reading: Detailed analysis of texts. The Heresy of Paraphrase: Against simplifying complex meanings. Irony and Paradox: Central elements in poetry.

John Crowe Ransom (1888 – 1974)

• The New Criticism: Textual Autonomy: Literature should be analyzed without external influences. Formal Elements: Emphasis on structure, style, and form.

Structuralism

Ferdinand de Saussure (1857 – 1913)

• Course in General Linguistics: Sign, Signifier, Signified: Components of linguistic signs. Language as a System of Differences: Meaning through contrast.

Roland Barthes (1915 – 1980)

• Mythologies: Cultural Myths: Analysis of everyday objects and practices. Semiotics: Study of signs and symbols.
• Death of the Author: Authorial Intent: De-emphasis on the author's role in interpretation. Reader's Role: The active role of the reader in creating meaning.

Poststructuralism

Jacques Derrida (1930 – 2004)

• Of Grammatology: Deconstruction: Analyzing contradictions in texts. Différance: Endless deferral of meaning. Binary Oppositions: Challenging hierarchical oppositions.

Michel Foucault (1926 – 1984)

• The Order of Things: Archaeology of Knowledge: Historical analysis of discourses. Power/Knowledge: Interrelation of power and knowledge systems.
• Discipline and Punish: Panopticism: Surveillance and control in society.

Late 20th Century Literary Criticism

Feminist Literary Criticism

Elaine Showalter (1941 – present)

• A Literature of Their Own: Phases of Women's Writing: Feminine, feminist, and female phases. Gynocriticism: Study of women writers and their literary traditions.

Judith Butler (1956 – present)

• Gender Trouble: Gender Performativity: Gender as performance rather than innate. Subversion of Identity: Challenging fixed gender identities.

Marxist Literary Criticism

Fredric Jameson (1934 – present)

• The Political Unconscious: Historicism: Texts as products of historical context. Ideologeme: The smallest unit of ideology. Dialectical Criticism: Combining Marxist analysis with textual interpretation.

Terry Eagleton (1943 – present)

• Literary Theory: An Introduction: Overview of Theories: Comprehensive guide to literary theories. Marxist Approach: Emphasis on class struggle and ideology in literature.

Psychoanalytic Criticism

Sigmund Freud (1856 – 1939)

• The Interpretation of Dreams: Unconscious Mind: The role of unconscious desires in literature. Oedipus Complex: Themes of familial desire and rivalry.

Jacques Lacan (1901 – 1981)

• écrits: The Mirror Stage: Formation of the ego through identification. The Real, The Imaginary, The Symbolic: Three orders of human experience.

Postcolonial Criticism

Edward Said (1935 – 2003)

• Orientalism: Representation of the East: Western depictions of Eastern cultures. Colonial Discourse: Power dynamics in colonial literature.

Homi K. Bhabha (1949 – present)

• The Location of Culture: Hybridity: Mixing of cultures and identities. Mimicry: Imitation and adaptation in postcolonial contexts.

Queer Theory

Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick (1950 – 2009)

• Epistemology of the Closet: Homosocial Desire: Relationships between same-sex individuals. Queer Readings: Deconstructing normative sexual identities.

Judith Halberstam (1961 – present)

• The Queer Art of Failure: Subversion of Normativity: Embracing non-normative ways of being. Low Theory: Accessible, grassroots approaches to theory.

Ecocriticism

Cheryll Glotfelty (1954 – present)

• The Ecocriticism Reader: Literature and Environment: Interdisciplinary approach to ecological issues. Environmental Ethics: Literary reflections on human-nature relationships.

Lawrence Buell (1939 – present)

• The Environmental Imagination: Thoreauvian Legacy: Influence of Henry David Thoreau on ecocriticism. Ethical Reading: Moral considerations in environmental literature.

Digital Humanities

Franco Moretti (1950 – present)

• Graphs, Maps, Trees: Distant Reading: Quantitative analysis of literary texts. New Methods: Combining literary studies with data analysis.

Kathleen Fitzpatrick (1967 – present)

• Planned Obsolescence: Digital Publishing: Challenges and opportunities in the digital age. Open Peer Review: Collaborative approaches to scholarly critique.

21st Century Literary Criticism

New Historicism

Stephen Greenblatt (1943 – present)

• Renaissance Self-Fashioning: Construction of Identity: Influence of social and historical contexts. Power and Representation: Dynamics of power in literary texts.

Cultural Studies

Stuart Hall (1932 – 2014)

• Encoding/Decoding: Media and Communication: Processes of creating and interpreting messages. Cultural Hegemony: Dominance of particular cultural narratives.

Raymond Williams (1921 – 1988)

• Keywords: Vocabulary of Culture: Analysis of culturally significant terms. Cultural Materialism: Interaction of culture and material conditions.

Affect Theory

Sara Ahmed (1969 – present)

• The Cultural Politics of Emotion: Emotional Influence: Role of emotions in shaping cultural experiences. Intersectionality: Interplay of emotions with race, gender, and sexuality.

Brian Massumi (1956 – present)

• Parables for the Virtual: Ontology of Sensation: Physical and emotional experiences in literature. Affect vs. Emotion: Distinction and significance in cultural analysis.

Cognitive Literary Studies

Lisa Zunshine (1964 – present)

• Why We Read Fiction: Theory of Mind: Psychological processes in literary comprehension. Cognitive Science: Insights into reader’s mental activities.

Blakey Vermeule (1966 – present)

• Why Do We Care About Literary Characters?: Empathy and Engagement: Cognitive responses to fictional characters. Narrative Theory: Psychological effects of storytelling.

Trauma Theory

Cathy Caruth (1955 – present)

• Unclaimed Experience: Trauma and Narrative: Representation of traumatic events in literature. Memory and History: Interrelation of personal and collective trauma.

Dominick LaCapra (1939 – present)

• Writing History, Writing Trauma: Historiography and Trauma: Recording and interpreting historical trauma. Empathy and Ethics: Ethical dimensions of trauma representation.

Posthumanism

Donna Haraway (1944 – present)

• A Cyborg Manifesto: Cyborg Identity: Blurring boundaries between human and machine. Technoculture: Interrelation of technology and cultural practices.

N. Katherine Hayles (1943 – present)

• How We Became Posthuman: Posthuman Subjectivity: Evolution of human identity in the digital age. Embodiment: Physical and virtual experiences.

Key Themes in 20th to 21st Century Literary Criticism

• Formalism to Poststructuralism: Shift from structure and form to deconstruction and discourse.
• Gender and Sexuality: Exploration of feminist and queer theories.
• Cultural and Historical Contexts: New historicism and cultural studies.
• Environmental and Digital Perspectives: Ecocriticism and digital humanities.
• Emotion and Cognition: Affect theory and cognitive literary studies.
• Trauma and Posthumanism: Addressing trauma and evolving human identity.

This outline provides a comprehensive look at literary criticism and theory from the age of Plato to 21st century.