Contributions of F.R. Leavis in literary criticism

 

F.R. Leavis was a prominent literary critic who made significant contributions to the field of literary criticism, particularly in the mid-20th century. His work focused on close textual analysis and the evaluation of literature based on its moral and social implications.

Great Tradition: In this work, Leavis names Jane Austen, George Eliot, Henry James, and Joseph Conrad as the great English novelists. In all these eight, including Charles Dickens, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and Edgar Allan Poe, we have successors of Shakespeare.Within his argument he adds D.H. Lawrence to the group of great novelists in English, though Leavis discusses Lawrence more in later works.

He argued that these selected canonical works  demonstrated profound moral and intellectual insight. He believed that these works embodied the highest standards of literary achievement and should be the primary focus of literary study.

Leavis emphasized the importance of close reading and detailed analysis of literary texts. He advocated for a rigorous examination of language, style, structure, and thematic content to uncover the deeper meanings and implications of a work.

Leavis's criticism was often informed by his strong moral convictions. He believed that literature should serve as a moral force, offering insight into human nature and ethical values. He criticized works that he perceived as lacking in moral seriousness or integrity.

 

Leavis co-founded and co-edited the influential literary journal Scrutiny with his wife, Queenie Leavis. The journal was known for its rigorous analysis of literary texts and its promotion of the Great Tradition. It played a significant role in shaping literary criticism in the mid-20th century.

Leavis was also a prominent figure in the field of education. He advocated for a humanistic approach to teaching literature, emphasizing the importance of engaging directly with literary texts and fostering critical thinking skills in students.

Leavis was critical of what he saw as the degradation of culture in the modern world, particularly the influence of mass media and popular entertainment. He believed that the Great Tradition offered a counterbalance to the superficiality and commercialism of mass culture.

In the introduction to Revaluation by F.R. Leavis, he sets the stage for his critical reassessment of various literary figures and works. Leavis states that the essays in Revaluation are intended to provide a critical reevaluation of significant literary figures and works. He aims to challenge prevailing opinions and offer readers a fresh perspective on these subjects.

Leavis expresses his skepticism towards the prevailing critical attitude of his time. He believes that many critics and scholars have misunderstood or misrepresented the true significance of certain writers and their works. Leavis is particularly critical of what he sees as the superficiality and lack of moral seriousness in much of contemporary literary criticism.

 

Leavis emphasizes the importance of moral and aesthetic values in literature. He argues that literature should be judged not only on its artistic merits but also on its moral and intellectual integrity. Leavis believes that great literature offers profound insights into the human condition and addresses important moral and social issues.

Revaluation by F.R. Leavis is a collection of essays published in 1936 that offers a critical reassessment of various literary figures, works, and movements. The main contents of the book cover a range of authors and topics, each explored through Leavis's distinctive approach to literary criticism. 

Revaluation: George Eliot: In this essay, Leavis reassesses the work of the Victorian novelist George Eliot, particularly focusing on her novels "Middlemarch" and "Adam Bede." He praises Eliot's psychological depth, moral seriousness, and her ability to capture the complexities of human experience.

Scott, the Pseudo-Scott, and The Antiquary: Leavis examines the works of Sir Walter Scott, with a specific focus on his novel "The Antiquary." He critiques Scott's portrayal of character and society, arguing that his novels lack moral depth and fail to achieve the level of insight found in the works of great writers.

Kipling: A Revaluation: Leavis reassesses the work of Rudyard Kipling, particularly his poetry and short stories. He acknowledges Kipling's skill as a storyteller but criticizes what he sees as his jingoism, imperialism, and lack of moral vision.

The Criterion: A Retrospect: Leavis reflects on the literary journal "The Criterion," edited by T.S. Eliot, and its influence on literary culture in the early 20th century. He praises the journal for its intellectual rigor and its promotion of the Great Tradition in literature.

Literary Criticism and Philosophy is an essay by F.R. Leavis published in his collection "Revaluation: Tradition and Development in English Poetry" in 1936. In this essay, Leavis explores the relationship between literary criticism and philosophy, particularly focusing on the role of philosophy in shaping critical perspectives on literature. 

 

Leavis begins by establishing the connection between literary criticism and philosophy. He argues that the two disciplines are closely intertwined, as both involve the interpretation and evaluation of human experience and thought. Leavis suggests that philosophy provides a framework for understanding the underlying principles and assumptions that inform literary criticism.

Leavis examines how philosophical ideas have influenced critical approaches to literature throughout history. He discusses the impact of various philosophical schools of thought, such as idealism, empiricism, and existentialism, on literary criticism. Leavis suggests that different philosophical perspectives have led to diverse interpretations of literary texts and have shaped critical methodologies.

 

Leavis explores the concept of philosophical criticism, which he defines as criticism that is grounded in philosophical principles and seeks to uncover the deeper philosophical implications of literary works. He discusses the work of critics such as Matthew Arnold, T.S. Eliot, and I.A. Richards, who incorporated philosophical ideas into their literary analyses. Leavis argues that philosophical criticism offers valuable insights into the moral, intellectual, and aesthetic dimensions of literature.

 

Leavis criticizes what he sees as the limitations of aestheticism, a critical approach that prioritizes formal beauty and artistic technique over moral and intellectual content. He argues that aestheticism fails to engage with the deeper philosophical and ethical concerns of literature and often leads to superficial interpretations of texts. Leavis advocates for a more rigorous and intellectual approach to literary criticism that takes into account the broader cultural and philosophical context.

 

In the conclusion of the essay, Leavis reaffirms the importance of philosophy in literary criticism and calls for a critical approach that integrates philosophical insights with close textual analysis. He emphasizes the need for critics to engage with the moral, intellectual, and philosophical dimensions of literature in order to fully appreciate its significance.

 

 

"Milton" is an essay by F.R. Leavis published in his collection "Revaluation: Tradition and Development in English Poetry" in 1936. In this essay, Leavis provides a critical reassessment of the work of the English poet John Milton, particularly focusing on Paradise Lost.

 

Leavis begins by introducing John Milton as one of the central figures in English literature, particularly known for his epic poem Paradise Lost. He acknowledges Milton's stature as a poet but suggests that his work has often been misunderstood or misinterpreted by critics.

 

Leavis discusses Milton's moral and intellectual vision as reflected in his poetry, particularly in "Paradise Lost." He argues that Milton's work is characterized by a profound moral seriousness and a commitment to exploring fundamental questions about God, humanity, and the nature of evil.

 

Leavis examines the character of Satan in "Paradise Lost" and discusses the problem of heroism in Milton's epic. He suggests that Milton's portrayal of Satan as a tragic and complex figure challenges traditional notions of heroism and raises important questions about the nature of virtue and vice.

 

Leavis explores the poetic language of "Paradise Lost" and praises Milton's mastery of poetic form and technique. He discusses Milton's use of blank verse, epic conventions, and classical allusions, highlighting the richness and complexity of his poetic style.