In the academic study of literature, two fundamental yet often conflated terms literary theory and literary criticism form the core of how we engage with texts. While both aim to deepen our understanding of literary works, they differ significantly in scope, focus, and purpose. Literary theory provides the conceptual tools and philosophical frameworks through which literature can be interpreted, whereas literary criticism is the practical application of those theories to analyze and evaluate specific literary texts. Understanding the distinction between the two is essential for any serious student of literature.
Literary theory refers to the systematic body of ideas that seek to define, explain, and interpret the nature of literature, its functions, and its relationship to broader cultural, social, or psychological contexts. Rather than focusing on individual literary works, literary theory deals with general principles of interpretation. It draws from a wide range of disciplines such as philosophy, linguistics, sociology, psychoanalysis, and political theory. Theoretical frameworks such as Structuralism, Marxism, Feminism, Postcolonialism, Psychoanalysis, and Deconstruction offer diverse lenses through which literature can be examined.
For instance, Feminist literary theory challenges the patriarchal underpinnings of canonical literature and focuses on the representation of women. A feminist theorist might question the portrayal of female characters in Shakespeare’s Othello, particularly Desdemona, whose voice and agency are consistently undermined by male dominance. Similarly, Marxist literary theory, based on the ideas of Karl Marx, explores how literature reflects or critiques class conflict and economic power structures. Charles Dicken’s Hard Times is often analyzed through this lens, as it vividly depicts the grim realities of industrial capitalism and its dehumanizing effects on the working class.
In contrast, literary criticism refers to the practice of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating individual literary texts. It is more concerned with the how and what of a specific work than with broad philosophical concepts. While criticism often draws on literary theory, it remains grounded in particular works of literature. A literary critic seeks to explain the meaning, aesthetic value, thematic concerns, and stylistic elements of a text.
For example, a critic analyzing William Blake’s poem "The Chimney Sweeper" from Songs of Innocence and Experience might use a Marxist approach to highlight the exploitation of child labor during the Industrial Revolution. The critic might point out how Blake’s use of innocent diction contrasts sharply with the grim social reality, thereby emphasizing the hypocrisy of a society that preaches Christian morality while perpetuating economic injustice.
Another example is the psychoanalytic criticism of Shakespeare’s "Hamlet", particularly through Freudian theory. Critics like Ernest Jones have interpreted Hamlet’s indecision and obsession with his mother as manifestations of the Oedipus complex, suggesting that his delay in avenging his father’s death stems from unconscious desires and internal conflict. Here, psychoanalytic theory provides a tool, but the critical focus remains on interpreting the specific play.
The main difference between literary theory and literary criticism lies in their function and application. Literary theory is more abstract, philosophical and general in nature. It does not deal with specific texts but rather offers interpretive frameworks that can be applied across literary works. On the other hand, literary criticism is more concrete and text-focused. It applies the theoretical frameworks to individual works to extract meaning, evaluate artistic merit, or understand socio-historical context.
To illustrate, Postcolonial theory offers the concept of hybridity and cultural identity loss, which can then be critically applied to a novel like Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart or even to Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness. While theory proposes that colonial literature often marginalizes native voices, criticism investigates how that marginalization plays out in a specific text.
Moreover, literary criticism may exist without explicit use of a theory especially in historical or formalist approaches while literary theory is always concerned with the "why" and "how" of interpretation. Thus, while theory underpins criticism, it is not confined to it.
In sum, literary theory and literary criticism are complementary yet distinct aspects of literary study. Literary theory provides the overarching frameworks, philosophical inquiries, and methodological lenses through which literature can be understood in broad terms. Literary criticism, by contrast, brings those theories into practice by analyzing individual texts in depth. Together, they form a dynamic relationship where theory sharpens the critical lens, and criticism animates theory through real-world application. A serious engagement with both is essential to appreciate the richness, complexity, and relevance of literature across time and cultures.
