The Craft of Criticism

Consisting of practical critiques of poems, this book attempts to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of criticism.

Allan Rodway (Author)

9780521299091, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 11 November 1982

204 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.1 cm, 0.27 kg

Students of literature are not sure of expositions of critical principle or examples of critical practice. However, the books of theory tend to be both abstruse and remote from literary appreciation, while books of practical criticism rarely spell out the principles which underpin them. Originally published in 1982, this book attempts to bridge the gap between the theory and practice of criticism. The bulk of the book consists of practical critiques of poems of various kinds from various periods that illustrate a variety of critical methods. The author does not simply try to match each poem with one method, but rather to show how a whole range of distinguishable methods are applicable to most poems, though in very different degrees. This is a clear and stimulating textbook, aimed at educating the literary sensibility. After studying this book, the reader should be able to approach the assessment of any work of creative literature with greater confidence and competence.

Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Critiques
1. 'Poem in October', Dylan Thomas
2. 'Piazza Piece', John Crowe Ransom
3. 'To His Coy Mistress', Andrew Marvell
4. 'Two X', e. e. cummings
5. 'The Twa Corbies' (with 'The Three Ravens'), Anon.
6. 'To a Steam Roller', Marianne Moore
7. 'To Autumn' (with 'Ode on a Grecian Urn', 'Ode to a Nightingale', and 'Ode on Melancholy'), John Keats
8. 'The Poplar Field', William Cowper
9. 'She Dwelt Among Th' Untrodden Ways', William Wordsworth
10. 'Hibiscus and Salvia Flowers' (with 'Kangaroo'), D. H. Lawrence
11. 'Thistles', Ted Hughes
12. 'Deceptions', Philip Larkin
13. Sonnet 138, William Shakespeare
14. 'Tomorrow, and tomorrow...' (from Macbeth), William Shakespeare
15. 'Snow', Louis MacNeice
16. 'A Martian Sends a Postcard Home', Craig Raine
17. 'The Draft Horse', Robert Frost
18. 'London', William Blake
19. 'An Irish Airman Foresees His Death', W. B. Yeats
20. Sebastian's sestina (from The Sea and the Mirror), W. H. Auden
21. 'Lady, Weeping at the Crossroads', W. H. Auden
22. 'Procrastination', George Crabbe
Conclusion
Glossary.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: poetry & poets [DSC]