Critical Revolutionaries: Five Critics Who Changed the Way We Read

In the years following the First World War, a younger generation of critics emerged, recognizing the impoverishment of language in a commercial, utilitarian society. Literary criticism became a way to diagnose social ills and had a vital moral function. Eagleton's book explores the lives and work of five influential critics who shaped literary modernism in twentieth-century Britain, a period of change and experimentation that spurred on developments in critical theory.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Before the First World War, traditional literary scholarship remained largely disconnected from society. However, in the years that followed, a younger generation of critics emerged, driven by a desire to counter the impoverishment of language in a commercial and utilitarian society increasingly influenced by film, advertising, and the popular press. For these critics, literary criticism became a means of diagnosing social ills and serving a vital moral purpose.

Terry Eagleton delves into the lives and contributions of T. S. Eliot, I. A. Richards, William Empson, F. R. Leavis, and Raymond Williams, examining a crucial tradition of literary criticism that is at risk of being overlooked. These five critics, among the most original and influential of modern times, represent one of the most remarkable intellectual formations in twentieth-century Britain. This period, known as literary modernism, was characterized by change and experimentation, inspiring advancements in critical theory.

During this era, literature and criticism underwent a profound transformation. The traditional canon of great works was challenged, and new genres and forms emerged. Critics sought to expand the boundaries of literary analysis, exploring new ways of understanding and interpreting literature. They challenged the notion of authorial intention, emphasizing the role of the reader in shaping meaning.

One of the defining features of literary modernism was its emphasis on the individual voice and the subjective experience. Critics sought to capture the essence of the human experience, exploring the complexities of emotion, identity, and culture. They emphasized the importance of the individual reader's interpretation and the role of literature in shaping personal and societal values.

Literary modernism also played a significant role in the development of critical theory. Critics such as Eliot, Richards, Empson, Leavis, and Williams developed innovative approaches to literary analysis, challenging traditional notions of genre, form, and meaning. They introduced new concepts such as the "objective" reader, the "linguistic turn," and the "death of the author," which have had a lasting impact on the study of literature.

Despite its many contributions, literary modernism faced challenges and criticisms. Some critics argued that it was too focused on the individual and the subjective, neglecting the broader social and political context in which literature was produced. Others criticized it for its elitism and its tendency to exclude marginalized voices and perspectives.

Today, literary criticism continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities. While the tradition of literary modernism may be less prominent, its influence can still be seen in the work of contemporary critics and scholars. The study of literature remains a vital means of understanding the human experience, exploring the complexities of culture, and shaping our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, Terry Eagleton's book "Literary Modernism: An Introduction" offers a valuable exploration of a crucial period in the history of literary criticism. Through his analysis of the lives and work of five influential critics, Eagleton highlights the importance of literary modernism in shaping the study of literature and the broader cultural landscape. While it faced challenges and criticisms, literary modernism remains a testament to the power of literature to inspire change and challenge traditional notions of meaning and identity.

Weight: 292g
Dimension: 263 x 181 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300270440