The Victorian poet Matthew Arnold was the first contemporary literary critic, S.N. Radhika Lakshmi writes on the website Literature-Study Online. Arnold's criticism usually involved poetry; his support of literary criticism greatly influenced the literary world, building a new appreciation for its practice. Arnold's scientific approach to criticism included both individual and comparative evaluations. He would explore an author's purpose for writing, helping to determine what the author was saying beyond the obvious.
Arnold was a moralist who based his interpretations on this philosophical foundation, Lakshmi writes. Arnold assumed the position that poetry ought to have a moral foundation, with positive ideals and perspectives to communicate to readers. He thought that poetry founded on amoral or indifferent beliefs was counterproductive and rebellious to life itself.
Citing Aristotle, Arnold believed that poetry was more valid than historical accounts because it was created as an emotional reaction to events instead of being a subjective report. He based his moralist perspectives on this belief. By assessing literary devices, metaphors, similes, social norms and societal interpretations in literature from a given period, you can learn a lot about that period as well as about its society.
Literary criticism will not only help students better understand literature, but it will also help them to write it, according to the humanities department at Georgia Perimeter College. Literary criticism and interpretation give meaning and value to an author's work. It is important for every writer to understand literary criticism so that he can improve the way he communicates directly and indirectly. Literary criticism also helps students discover new ideas, develop philosophical positions and learn about the nuances of societies from throughout history.