Literary Criticism-Quintilian

1. Literary
Criticism
(BA-TY)
Dr. Nirmala S.
Padmavat
Director, IQAC
Nutan Mahavidyalaya,
Selu

2. Quintilian-
Early life and
Literary
Work:
Quintilian, a prominent
Roman rhetorician and
educator, lived during the
1st century CE. His full
name was Marcus Fabius
Quintilianus, and he was
born around 35 CE in
Calagurris (modern-day
Calahorra, Spain). He was a
prominent rhetorician and
teacher, known for his
expertise in training young
orators. Some of his
students included future
Roman emperors Vespasian
and Domitian. "Institutio
Oratoria" was likely
completed in the early 90s
CE, during the reign of
Emperor Domitian, and is
considered one of
Quintilian's major works.

3. Literary Work
Quintilian's most significant literary work is
"Institutio Oratoria" (Institutes of Oratory). This
extensive treatise, composed of twelve books, is a
comprehensive guide to rhetoric and education
and remains one of the most influential works on
the subject. "Institutio Oratoria" covers various
aspects of rhetoric, including invention,
arrangement, style, memory, and delivery. It also
delves into the moral and ethical responsibilities
of the orator. The work is written in the form of a
dialogue, where Quintilian presents the teachings
and practices he imparted to his students.
Quintilian's approach to rhetoric emphasized the
ethical dimension of public speaking and the
importance of forming well-rounded citizens
through education. He upheld the idea that an
ideal orator must possess not only rhetorical skill
but also good character and knowledge in various
disciplines.

4. Quintilian’s
Approach
towards
Literary
Criticism
 Quintilian, a renowned Roman
rhetorician and educator of the 1st
century CE, wrote an influential work on
literary criticism titled "Institutio
Oratoria" (Institutes of Oratory). This
extensive work covers various aspects of
rhetoric, including literary criticism.
While not an essay in the modern sense,
"Institutio Oratoria" is a comprehensive
treatise that includes Quintilian's
thoughts on evaluating and analyzing
literature.

5. Rhetoric
and
Literature
 Quintilian believed that rhetoric and
literature were closely related. He
considered literature to be a form of
eloquence and placed great importance
on literary artistry. He argued that a true
orator should be well-versed in literature
and the techniques used by poets and
writers.

6. Imitation
 Quintilian emphasized
the concept of
imitation, which had a
significant influence on
ancient Roman literary
theory. He believed that
aspiring writers should
study and imitate the
works of renowned
authors, such as Homer
or Virgil, to learn from
their exemplary use of
language, style, and
themes.

7. Literary Genres
 In "Institutio Oratoria," Quintilian
discusses various literary genres,
including epic poetry, tragedy,
comedy, and history. He
analyzes the unique features of
each genre and offers guidance
on how to effectively compose
and critique works within these
categories.

8. Elements of Style
 Quintilian emphasized the
importance of style in literary
composition. He discussed
different figures of speech and
rhetorical devices that writers
could use to enhance their
expression and captivate their
audiences. He believed that a
skilled writer should have a
versatile and elegant style,
appropriately suited to the
subject matter and the audience.

9. The Role of
Emotion
 Quintilian recognized the power
of emotions in literature and the
importance of evoking them in
the reader. He believed that a
successful piece of writing
should appeal to the audience's
emotions, whether through
pathos (emotion), ethos
(credibility), or logos (logic).

10. The Function of
Literature
 Quintilian believed that
literature should serve a
moral and educational
purpose. He saw poetry and
rhetoric as tools for shaping
the character and values of
the reader or listener. He
argued that good literature
should inspire virtue and
ethical behavior.

11. Ethicl Criticism:
 Quintilian's approach to literary
criticism had an ethical
dimension. He was concerned
with the ethical implications of
literary works and their potential
impact on society. He advocated
for the promotion of virtuous
and edifying literature, while
cautioning against works that
might corrupt or mislead the
audience.

12. Individual
Judgment
 Quintilian acknowledged that
literary criticism required
subjective judgment and taste.
He recognized that different
critics might have varying
opinions on a work's merits, and
he encouraged critics to be fair,
reasonable, and open-minded in
their evaluations.

13. Structure
and
Contents
The treatise is organized into twelve books, each covering
various aspects of rhetoric and education.
Book 1: Introduction and the importance of a moral
education for an orator.
Book 2: Early childhood education and the influence of
nurses and educators on a child's development.
Book 3: The role of the teacher and the need for a broad
education in grammar, literature, and the liberal arts.
Book 4: The art of memory and various methods to aid in
remembering information for effective oratory.
Book 5: A detailed analysis of the various components of
rhetoric, including invention, arrangement, and style.
Book 6: The use of rhetorical figures and tropes to enhance
enhance expression and emotional impact.

14. Structure and Contents
Book 7: The concept of
imitation and the
importance of studying
and emulating great
writers and orators.
Book 8: Critique of
contemporary educational
practices and the
importance of adapting
education to the
individual's abilities.
Book 9: The application of
rhetorical principles in
legal speeches and the art
of persuasion in the
courtroom.
Book 10: The role of
rhetoric in deliberative
speeches, political
orations, and public affairs.
affairs.
Book 11: The art of
delivering speeches,
including voice
modulation, gestures, and
proper pronunciation.
Book 12: The ideal
education and training of
an orator, combining
moral character with
rhetorical skill.

15. Importance and
Influence
 "Institutio Oratoria" is regarded as one of the
most comprehensive works on rhetoric in
ancient times, providing a systematic and
thorough treatment of the subject. Quintilian's
emphasis on ethics and character development
as essential components of effective oratory
was groundbreaking and distinguishes his work
from earlier rhetorical theories. The treatise
influenced later rhetorical and educational
practices during the Middle Ages and the
Renaissance. Quintilian's ideas on education,
style, and the art of persuasion continue to be
studied and appreciated by scholars and
educators to this day.

16. Conclusion
 Quintilian's "Institutio
Oratoria" remains a valuable
resource for understanding
ancient Roman rhetoric and
the principles of effective
communication. It not only
offers insights into the art of
public speaking but also
provides valuable
perspectives on literary
criticism, ethics, and
education.

17. Thank you!