Tradition and Transformation in Literary Criticism

This book highlights the evolution of literary criticism as a reflection of changing intellectual and cultural developments across history. The book Tradition and Transformation in Literary Criticism explores how literary theories have evolved from classical thinkers such as Aristotle and Longinus to modern theorists such as Jacques Derrida. It examines major critical approaches, including formalism, structuralism, feminism, psychoanalysis, postcolonialism, and cultural studies, showing how each shapes the interpretation of literature and reflects broader worldviews. The text emphasises that literary criticism is not static but continually transforms alongside society, especially in today’s era of digital humanities and AI-driven textual analysis. Overall, the book seeks to connect traditional literary thought with contemporary theoretical innovations, serving as a guide for scholars, students, and educators in understanding the continuing evolution of literary interpretation.