Where Western critics cite Homer or obscure metaphysical poets, Prasad often references Shakespeare, Milton, and even Indian classics. A discussion of catharsis will refer to the death of King Duryodhana in the Mahabharata or the pity felt for Othello. This contextualization makes theory feel relevant, not alien.
The final section of Prasad's book introduces readers to the radical shifts of the early-to-mid 20th century, where criticism became more analytical and scientific. T.S. Eliot and Aesthetic Detachment
: It bridges the gap between ancient principles and modern critical theories in a single volume. An Introduction To Literary Criticism By B Prasad
Prasad organizes the material chronologically and thematically. Early chapters outline classical and neoclassical principles — Aristotle’s poetics, Horace, and Renaissance critics — establishing key terms such as mimesis, catharsis, and decorum. Subsequent sections trace Romanticism and its emphasis on the imagination, aesthetic autonomy, and subjectivity, then move to formalism and New Criticism’s focus on close reading and the autonomy of the text.
The book's enduring popularity lies in its logical and clear structure, which guides the reader from the very foundations of criticism in ancient Greece to the challenging questions posed by modern critics. The table of contents is typically divided into several major parts, each building upon the last. Where Western critics cite Homer or obscure metaphysical
: It begins with the foundational theories of the "Greek Masters," specifically Plato and Aristotle , exploring concepts like Mimesis (imitation) and Catharsis .
A significant portion of the book focuses on the Romantic revolt against rigid Neo-Classical rules. Prasad contrasts Wordsworth’s democratic view of poetry ("the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" in common language) with Coleridge’s deeply philosophical theory of Fancy and Imagination . Part 3: The Victorian and Modern Eras The final section of Prasad's book introduces readers
: Analyzing Prasad’s definition of criticism as an "intermediary" that helps readers find the "virtue" in a masterpiece.
: The critic’s task is to uncover why a work appeals to us (or fails to) by examining its subject, organization, and style against standards of excellence. 2. Historical Development of Criticism
An Introduction to Literary Criticism by B. Prasad is a foundational textbook for students of English literature. It simplifies complex theoretical shifts from classical antiquity to the modern era. The book serves as an accessible gateway to understanding how literature is evaluated, interpreted, and understood. Overview of the Text