How The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism Vol 1 Explores the Origins and Development of Literary Criticism in Antiquity

- What is the Cambridge History of Literary Criticism series and what does it cover? - What is the main focus and scope of volume 1: Classical Criticism? Early Greek views of poets and poetry - The role and function of poets and poetry in ancient Greek society and culture - The origins and development of poetic genres and forms - The concepts of mimesis, inspiration, truth and beauty in poetry - The criticism of poets and poetry by philosophers, historians and rhetoricians Language and meaning in archaic and classical Greece - The emergence and evolution of the Greek language and its dialects - The study of grammar, rhetoric, logic and dialectic as tools for analyzing and producing texts - The theories of meaning, interpretation and persuasion in language use - The influence of language on thought, culture and identity Plato and poetry - Plato's critique of poetry as a source of moral corruption, epistemological confusion and political instability - Plato's theory of forms, ideas and knowledge as the basis for his philosophy - Plato's dialogues as a literary form that combines poetry, drama and philosophy - Plato's positive views on poetry as a means of education, inspiration and expression Aristotle's poetics - Aristotle's definition and classification of poetry as a mode of imitation - Aristotle's analysis of the elements, structure, style and effects of different types of poetry - Aristotle's criteria for evaluating the quality, merit and pleasure of poetry - Aristotle's influence on later literary criticism and theory The evolution of a theory of artistic prose - The rise and spread of prose writing in ancient Greece and Rome - The development of prose genres such as history, biography, oratory, philosophy and fiction - The principles and techniques of prose composition, style and ornamentation - The evaluation and appreciation of prose works by critics and readers Hellenistic literary and philosophical scholarship - The cultural and intellectual context of the Hellenistic period (323-31 BC) - The establishment and activities of the Alexandrian Library and Museum as centers of learning and research - The contribution of Hellenistic scholars to the collection, edition, commentary and criticism of ancient texts - The interaction between literary scholarship and philosophical schools such as Stoicism, Epicureanism and Scepticism The growth of literature and criticism at Rome - The adaptation and innovation of Greek literary forms and genres by Roman writers - The role and function of literature in Roman society, politics and education - The concepts of imitation, originality, decorum and utility in Roman literary theory - The criticism of literature by Roman authors, patrons, teachers and critics Augustan critics - The historical and cultural context of the Augustan age (27 BC-AD 14) - The flourishing of literature under the patronage of Augustus Caesar and his associates - The main features and achievements of Augustan poetry (Virgil, Horace, Ovid etc.) - The critical views on literature expressed by Augustan poets themselves or by their contemporaries Latin criticism of the early empire - The historical and cultural context of the early imperial period (AD 14-180)

- The diversity and development of Latin literature under different emperors (Seneca, Lucan, Martial etc.)

- The main themes and issues in Latin literary criticism (genre, style, taste etc.)

- The influence of Greek criticism on Latin criticism (Quintilian, Pliny etc.) Greek criticism of the empire - The historical and cultural context of the imperial period (AD 14-476)

- The continuity and change of Greek literature under Roman rule (Plutarch, Lucian, Longinus etc.)

- The main trends and topics in Greek literary criticism (rhetoric, aesthetics, allegory etc.)

- The interaction between Greek criticism and other disciplines (philology, philosophy, theology etc.) Christianity and criticism - The emergence and spread of Christianity as a new religion and culture

- The adaptation and transformation of pagan literature by Christian writers (Origen, Augustine, Jerome etc.)

- The development of Christian literary theory and criticism (scripture, allegory, style etc.)

- The conflict and dialogue between Christian and pagan criticism (Tertullian, Celsus, Eusebius etc.) Conclusion - A summary of the main points and arguments of the article

- A reflection on the significance and legacy of classical literary criticism

- A suggestion for further reading and research on the topic FAQs - What is the difference between literary criticism and literary theory?

- What are the main sources of classical literary criticism?

- How did classical literary criticism influence later periods of literary history?

- What are the main challenges and controversies in studying classical literary criticism?

- How can classical literary criticism help us understand and appreciate literature today? # Article with HTML formatting The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism Vol 1: Classical Criticism

Literary criticism is the study and evaluation of literature, its forms, genres, styles, themes, meanings and effects. Literary criticism is not only a way of expressing opinions or preferences about literature, but also a way of exploring and understanding the nature, function and value of literature in relation to various historical, cultural, social and intellectual contexts. Literary criticism is also a way of engaging with other disciplines such as philosophy, history, psychology, linguistics, theology and art.

the cambridge history of literary criticism vol 1

The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism is a series of nine volumes that provides a comprehensive historical account of Western literary criticism from classical antiquity to the present day. The series covers the main traditions, movements, schools and figures of literary criticism in different languages and regions, as well as the interactions between literary criticism and other fields of knowledge and practice. The series aims to offer an authoritative work of reference and exposition for scholars, students and general readers who are interested in the history and development of literary criticism.

The first volume of the series focuses on literary criticism in the classical period up to about AD 325. This volume examines the beginnings of critical consciousness in ancient Greece and Rome, where literature emerged as a distinct form of artistic expression and cultural communication. It traces the origins and evolution of various concepts, methods and criteria that shaped the way literature was produced, analyzed, interpreted and evaluated by ancient writers, critics and readers. It also explores the relationship between literary criticism and other domains such as philosophy, rhetoric, politics, religion and education.

Early Greek views of poets and poetry

Poetry was one of the earliest and most influential forms of literature in ancient Greece. Poetry was not only a source of entertainment and pleasure, but also a means of preserving and transmitting cultural memory, values and identity. Poetry was also a medium of education and moral instruction, as well as a vehicle of religious worship and civic participation.

The earliest Greek poets were oral performers who composed and recited their poems in various occasions and settings, such as festivals, banquets, funerals and competitions. The most famous examples of these poets are Homer, Hesiod and the lyric poets. Their poems were not written down until centuries later, but they were memorized and transmitted by generations of listeners and performers.

The early Greek poets developed different genres and forms of poetry, such as epic, didactic, lyric, elegy, iambus and choral poetry. Each genre had its own characteristics, conventions and functions, but they also shared some common features, such as meter, rhyme, imagery and figurative language.

The early Greek poets also reflected on their own role and function in society and culture. They claimed to have a special status and authority as poets, based on their divine inspiration, their artistic skill and their social service. They also expressed their views on various aspects of poetry, such as its origin, purpose, truth and beauty.

The early Greek poets were not only praised and admired by their audiences, but also criticized and challenged by some philosophers, historians and rhetoricians. These critics questioned the validity and value of poetry, especially its moral and epistemological implications. They accused poetry of being deceptive, irrational, emotional and harmful to individuals and society. 71b2f0854b