Comparative Analysis

1. Comparative Analysis of the
Classical and Modern
Literary Criticism
DISCRIMINATING SKILLS
SYNTHESIZING CONCEPTS
Presented by: Honorata D. De Villa

2. Classical literary criticism refers to the
principles and methods of analyzing
literature that were established in ancient
Greece and Rome and further developed in
subsequent centuries.
Classical Literary Criticism

3. Modern literary criticism refers to the
diverse and evolving approaches to the
analysis and interpretation of literature
that emerged in the late 19th century and
continued into the 20th and 21st centuries.
Modern Literary Criticism

4. The term "discriminating skills" in the context of
analyzing classical and modern criticism refers to
the ability to make careful and thoughtful
distinctions or judgments between different
elements, ideas, or perspectives within the realm of
literary or artistic criticism.
DISCRIMINATING SKILLS

5. When we talk about synthesizing concepts in the
context of analyzing classical and modern criticism, it
refers to the ability to combine, integrate, and unify
various ideas, perspectives, and theories from both
classical and modern critical approaches. Synthesizing
involves creating a cohesive understanding that
incorporates elements from different sources and
time periods.
SYNTHESIZING CONCEPTS

6. Prescriptive Criteria
1.
Discriminating skill involves applying established criteria and
rules. For example, Aristotle's "Poetics" provides guidelines
for the structure and elements of a tragedy, emphasizing
the importance of unity, catharsis, and a well-constructed
plot.
Classical Literary Criticism
DISCRIMINATING SKILLS

7. 2. Moral and Ethical Evaluation
Classical critics discriminate based on moral and ethical
considerations. An example is the assessment of
Shakespearean plays like "Macbeth" for their moral lessons
and adherence to ethical norms.
Classical Literary Criticism
DISCRIMINATING SKILLS

8. 3. Universality and Timeliness
Discrimination involves identifying elements that are deemed
universal and timeless. Homer's "The Iliad" is praised for its
exploration of fundamental human experiences such as honor,
courage, and the consequences of war.
Classical Literary Criticism
DISCRIMINATING SKILLS

9. 1. Contextual Analysis
Discriminating skill involves analyzing literature in its
historical and cultural context. Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall
Apart" is scrutinized not only for its literary merit but also
for its portrayal of colonialism and its impact on African
societies.
Modern Literary Criticism
DISCRIMINATING SKILLS

10. 2. Reader Response
Discrimination considers diverse reader responses.
For instance, the interpretation of J.D. Salinger's
"The Catcher in the Rye" varies based on
individual readers' experiences and perspectives.
Modern Literary Criticism
DISCRIMINATING SKILLS

11. 3. Deconstruction and Intertextuality
Discriminating skill involves deconstructing binary oppositions
and exploring intertextual connections. In the analysis of Jean
Rhys's "Wide Sargasso Sea," critics examine how it
deconstructs and reinterprets Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre."
Modern Literary Criticism
DISCRIMINATING SKILLS

12. 1. Timeless Themes
Synthesizing involves extracting timeless
themes. Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is
praised for its exploration of love and
tragedy, concepts that resonate across
different time periods.
CLASSICAL LITERARY CRITICISM
SYNTHESIZING CONCEPTS

13. 2. Universal Truths
The synthesis involves identifying universal
truths in the works of Sophocles, such as
"Antigone," where the consequences of
defying authority and the conflict between
individual conscience and societal norms are
explored.
CLASSICAL LITERARY CRITICISM
SYNTHESIZING CONCEPTS

14. 1. Cultural Relativity
Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children"
synthesizes postcolonial themes with magical
realism, providing a unique perspective on
the history and identity of India. The
synthesis involves understanding the
cultural relativity of the narrative.
MODERN LITERARY CRITICISM
SYNTHESIZING CONCEPTS

15. 2. Multiple Perspectives
Toni Morrison's "Beloved" synthesizes
diverse perspectives on trauma, slavery, and
motherhood. Critics engage in a synthesis
that incorporates African-American and
feminist viewpoints, reflecting the complexity
of the novel.
MODERN LITERARY CRITICISM
SYNTHESIZING CONCEPTS

16. 3. Postmodern Complexity
Italo Calvino's "If on a winter's night a
traveler" synthesizes postmodern concepts of
narrative ambiguity and reader interaction.
The novel's structure and metafictional
elements contribute to a complex synthesis
of storytelling in a postmodern context.
MODERN LITERARY CRITICISM
SYNTHESIZING CONCEPTS

17. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

18. Classical literary criticism relies on prescriptive criteria and the
evaluation of universal themes, while modern literary criticism embraces
context, subjectivity, and a diverse range of perspectives. The examples
demonstrate how discriminating skills and synthesizing concepts differ
between these two approaches, reflecting the evolution of literary criticism
over time and its responsiveness to cultural, social, and philosophical shifts.
CONCLUSION

19. CHARACTER PORTRAYAL
"Pride and Prejudice": Austen's novel focuses on the
manners and social expectations of the British upper
class. Elizabeth Bennet, the protagonist, is known for
her wit and intelligence. The characters are often
satirized for their adherence to societal norms.
"Jane Eyre": Brontë's novel delves into the
psychological and emotional aspects of its characters.
Jane Eyre is a strong, independent woman who
confronts societal expectations and challenges gender
roles.

20. THEMATIC ELEMENTS
"Pride and Prejudice": The novel explores
themes of class, marriage, and personal growth.
It critiques the superficiality of societal
expectations and the impact of first
impressions.
"Jane Eyre": Brontë's work addresses themes of
social class, morality, and the struggle for
independence. It also engages with the idea of
love transcending societal norms.

21. NARRATIVE STYLE
"Pride and Prejudice": Austen employs a third-
person omniscient narrator with a witty and
ironic tone. The narrative is often observational,
providing insight into characters' thoughts and
motives.
"Jane Eyre": Brontë uses a first-person
narrative, allowing readers direct access to
Jane's thoughts and emotions. This creates a
more intimate connection between the reader
and the protagonist.

22. SOCIAL CRITIQUE
"Pride and Prejudice": Austen satirizes the
rigid social structure and expectations of the
early 19th century. The novel critiques the
emphasis on wealth and status in marriage.
"Jane Eyre": Brontë's work challenges Victorian
social norms, particularly regarding gender
roles and the treatment of the lower class. It
advocates for individual morality and the
pursuit of one's principles.

23. RESOLUTION AND ENDINGS
"Pride and Prejudice": The resolution involves
Elizabeth and Darcy overcoming their pride and
prejudice, leading to a satisfying and socially
acceptable marriage.
"Jane Eyre": Jane achieves personal and
emotional fulfillment by marrying Mr. Rochester
after overcoming various challenges. The ending
is more unconventional, with a focus on
personal integrity.

24. By applying discriminating skills, such
as close reading, understanding historical
context, and comparing literary devices, this
comparative analysis highlights the distinct
qualities of each novel. The synthesis of
concepts allows for a richer understanding
of how these works contribute uniquely to
the literary landscape, despite sharing some
thematic elements and historical context.
Conclusion

25. Thank You