PAPER I : History and theory of Literary Criticism

Compulsory
Q1 Which is a more refined form of art for Aristotle, the epic or the
tragedy? Which is the superior of the two and why?

Q2 Discuss why Aristotle considers tragedy as a form superior to epic?

Q3 Critically discuss Aristotles definition of tragedy as a catharsis of pity

and fear.

Q4 How would you define classical criticism if Aristotles Poetics is

considered to be setting the standard for this kind of criticism?

Q5 For Aristotle the poet is at the same time an imitator and a creator.
Discuss.

Q6 Critically discuss any ONE of the following with reference to Aristotles

Poetics.

i. Idea of mimesis ii. Plot as the soul of tragedy iii. Katharsis

iv. Hamartia v. elements of tragedy vi. Law of probablity

Q7 Discuss in detail Aristotles idea of artistic mimesis in the poetics.

Q8 Discuss why Aristotle considers spectacle as the least important

element of tragedy.

Q9 How does Aristotles view of artistic Mimesis contradict Platos

negative view of art?

Section A
Q1 Discuss Drydens Essay of Dramatic Poesy as a representative treatise
of neo-classical criticism.

Q2 Discuss the neo-classical features of Drydens Essay of Dramatic

Poesy.

Q3 Critically evaluate Drydens Essay of Dramatic Poesy for its neo-

classical critical tendencies.

Q4 Discuss Drydens comparison of the English and the French drama in

the Essay of dramatic Poesy.

Q5 Comment upon the negative element in Drydens Essay of Dramatic

Poesy.

Q6 Discuss the neo-Classical elements in Drydens Essay of Dramatic

Poesy.

Q7 Comment upon Drydens ideas on the nature and function of poetry in

The Essay on Dramatic Poesy.

Q8 Although Dryden was not the first Englishman to write criticism, what
may legitimize Johnsons consideration of him as the Father of
English Criticism?
Q9 Would you agree with the view that Johnson, neo-classist as he was,
also in the end undermines the new-classical tradition? Discuss with
reference to his Preface to Shakespeare.

Q10 Nothing can please many, and please long, but just representation of
general nature. How does Johnson apply this critical observation to
his evaluation of Shakespeare.

Q11 Johnsons appreciation of Shakespeare reflects Johnson as a critic who

goes beyond his neo-classical limitations. Comment.

Q12 Johnson appeals to common sense in dealing with critical issues.

Comment upon the statement with reference to Preface to
Shakespeare.

Q13 Comment upon Johnsons discussion of the unities of action, time and
place in his Preface to Shakespeare.

Q 14 Do you think Johnson in considering Shakespeare as the poet of

Nature is making a judgment independent of the general critical
trends of the eighteenth century?

Section B