Mastering Practical Criticism

by Lindy Miller

Mastering Practical Criticism offers students of English Literature at advanced and degree levels a clear, well-explained guide to mastering the skills of critical appreciation. It starts with ways of unlocking meaning in literary texts and proceeds through each stage of the process to the final essay response. Students are given useful and practical advice on organising their material as they analyse the text, thus saving valuable time in examinations. This is a skills-based guide, offering plenty of thoroughly worked through examples, designed to build confidence and remove some of the anxiety that frequently accompanies unseen critical analysis.

Genres: Nonfiction

274 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2001

Reviews

[Michael Prendergast · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am about to begin an OU module in English Literature I thought it best to get a better understanding of how to read and take part prose/poetry/drama and give myself a better grasp of what is expected from my work. A good book and one that will remain close to my elbow when I begin the module

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, very helpful in writing my English degree essays

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once I managed to ignore the very irritating italics all over the place, and the tone, which insinuated that I am forgetful and lazy, I found a treasure trove of practical advice on methods of criticising literature that will probably be very useful if I apply them.

The book was the cause of an amusing episode on a train, when the passenger in the next seat read the title and said 'that book looks terrifying'. I replied that I was attempting to prepare myself to study literature and he was clearly very relieved, and said he thought the book was a guide on how to be critical, in life! In an attempt to be humorous I said airily 'oh I don't think I need lessons in that' to which he responded with a look of horror. I laugh now...

Edit June 2016. Having now studied literature, this book was of limited help. 20 years ago, this is how literature was looked at, in isolation from its context (author, period, history, philosophy etc). Not now.

[Alyce Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant. Talks through the different ways to prepare yourself to write essays and answer questions of practical criticism, giving you ideas of the different features you need to look out for and prepare to comment upon. Follows up with multiple example essays putting the techniques into use - a great refresher for anyone who hasn't written an academic essay in a while, and wants to remember how to reclaim that formal style of writing.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I had this in A Level..Probably would've saved me from failing. Great for any Literature or any degree that requires text analysis.