litteraturkritikk

Litteraturkritikk, or literary criticism, is the practice of evaluating and interpreting literature. Critics examine how a text constructs meaning through its themes, form, language, and craft, and they situate a work within its historical, social, and cultural contexts. The goal is to understand why a text matters, how it communicates with readers, and what it contributes to literature and culture. Litteraturkritikk can inform readers, guide reading choices, and provoke discussion about values, representation, and aesthetics.

Criticism uses various methods and theories. Close reading focuses on language and structure; theoretical approaches—such as formalism, structuralism, post-structuralism, feminism, Marxism, psychoanalysis, and reader-response theory—provide lenses for interpretation. Analysts justify judgments with textual evidence and with references to broader intellectual debates. The practice occurs in many settings, from newspaper reviews and literary magazines to academic journals and online platforms. It includes evaluation of quality as well as historical, biographical, and genre analysis.

History and scope: Modern litteraturkritikk grew with print media in the 18th and 19th centuries and developed into a broader scholarly field in the 20th century. Different traditions exist across languages and countries. In Nordic contexts such as Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, litteraturkritik has long been a profession in newspapers and journals, while in universities it forms part of literary studies.

Role and impact: Critics shape public perception, influence translation, awards, and the reception of authors. Debates concern objectivity versus subjectivity, representation and inclusion, and the role of criticism in canon formation. Litteraturkritikk remains an ongoing conversation about how literature reflects and challenges society.