Functions of Criticism

KMGB Government Arts College, Vallbhipur 

Course : B. A English Sem - 4 

Name : Dabhi Nirali Mansukhbhai 

Paper Name : Introduction to the Study of Literature - 2

Home Assignment 

Submitted to : Dr. Komal mam 

Submitted by : Dabhi Nirali M. 

Functions of Criticism : 

        There is Two major functions of Criticism : 1. Interpret and 2. Judgement.

➡️ Introduction : 

      ‘ In introduction to the Study of Literature 'W. H. Hudson explains that literary criticism perform several vital functions among which Interpretation and Judgement are on central importance. Hudson believes that critics should guide readers to a deeper understanding of literature and help them evaluate it's artistic worth. Interpretation and Judgement are closely related yet distict stage of the critical process. 

1. Interpretation : 

       Interpretation is primary and fundamental function of literary criticism. According to Hudson, before a critic can evaluate literary work, he or she must understand it correctly and help others understand as well. Interpretation involves a cosefull explanation of the meaning and significance of literary texts. Literature often contains complex ideas simboling language, emotional depth, and cultural and historical refferences and ordinary reader may fail to grasp this aspect fully the critic. Therefore acts as mediator between the author meaning. 

       Hudson emphasis that interpretation includes the explanation of theme, plot, structure, characters, setting ( time , place ) and language of a literary work. The critic examine how ideas are develop, how character's function within the narrative and how literary devices such as imagery, metaphors, symbolism and tone contribute to meaning. In poetry, specially interpretation becomes essential because meaning is often indirect and suggestive gathers than explicit. 

        Another important aspect of interpretation is understanding of authors intentions not in biographical sense but in terms of what the text itself reveals. Hudson insist that interpretation must be faithful to the text and supported by evidance from it. The critic should avoid imposing personal opinions or meanings that the work doesn't justify. Hudson also stress that interpretation should be clear, objective and logical. It should illuminates rather than confuse, a good interpretation increase the reader's appreciation by revealing layers of meaning that might otherwise remain hidden. 

2. Judgement : 

     Once interpretation has been successfully completed, the critic moves to the second major function ‘ Judgement '. Hudson consideres judgement to be the most delicate and responsible task of criticism because it involves evaluating the literary worth of a work. 

      Judgement refers to ‘ assessment of the artistic values and quality of a literary work. ' The critic determines how far the work succeed in achieving it's artistic purpose. This includes evaluating it's unity, coherence, originality, emotional power, intellectual depth and aesthetic appear. 

       Hudson strongly warns against subjective or impressionist judgement. Personal likes, dislikes, moral prejudice or political opinion should not influence critical judgement. Instead, judgement must be based on recognised literary standards, a broad knowledge of literature and a comparative understanding of similar works from different periods and tradition. 

      The critic must also considers genre of the work. A novel, a poem, a drama can not be judge by the same criteria. Each genre has its own convention and aims and judgement should take these into account. Hudson believes that fair judgement acknowledges both strength and limitations of a work. Moreover, Hudson sees judgement as  beneficial not only to readers but also to the development of literary taste, through the sound judgement, criticism helps readers to distinguish great , good and mediocre literature, their by cultivating a refined literary sensibility. 

➡️ Relationship between Interpretation and Judgement : 

       Hudson clearly stats that interpretation must precede judgement. Without proper understanding, judgement becomes shellow and unreliable, misinterpretation can lead to unfair and incorrect evaluation. Therefore interpretation and judgement are ‘ complementary functions ' each incomplete without the others. 

➡️ Conclusion : 

      According to W. H. Hudson, interpretation and judgement together from the core of effective literary criticism. Interpretation enables understanding, while judgement provides evaluation, when practiced with clarity, objectivity, and scholarly balance, these two functions make criticism a valuable guide for a readers and essential discipline in the study of literature. 

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