User:Katherinesteinberger/Evaluate an Article

Which article are you evaluating?
Literary criticism

Why you have chosen this article to evaluate?
This article covered an interesting and not frequently discussed topic and therefore it seemed like a good choice to analyse the quality of the information provided.

Evaluate the article
Evaluate an Article: Literary Criticism

The lead section provides a clear introductory sentence indicating the definition of the topic. The following paragraph provides further more specific insight into the topic itself, without going into excessive detail. The ensuing portion of the lead section briefly touches on debates regarding the terminology of the topic and general common understandings among practitioners of the craft. It concludes with describing the media this criticism is expressed through and finishes by listing a few noteworthy pieces of literary criticism.

The article provides a comprehensive history of literary criticism through its various topics covered and types of subjects and authors becoming part of the genre. Starting from early recordings and exemplars to recent ones, even explicitly displaying how the changes in the course of history have not diminished the value of the practice. Furthermore, this article shows the stark developments citing the topic of women's literature in the "Current state" section which gravely parallels with the lack of female authors throughout much of the history provided.

The author of this article does an exemplary job of not attempting to convince the reader of the merits of one argument over the other. They simply list the facts of certain time periods and movements within the literary criticism history. Specific opinions are those of literary critics, which are used to give further insights into specific trends or mindsets held in the community of literary critics. While varying viewpoints or mindsets are displayed, the identification of fringe approaches to literary criticism are not as heavily discussed. Still, the article does not persuade or dissuade the reader from receiving the topic in a particular light, it merely provides a historical overview of the topic.

Through the use of specific examples, both writings and authors from different regions and time periods alike, the article is able to establish a solid overview of the topic. While some of the references have been recently retrieved, they are all at least a decade old. Recent retrieval indicates that these sources may have provided the most overarching information on the topic as to not overwhelm the article with sources and information. However, more resent references might provide greater insight and analysis of historical trend and the current state.

Overall, the article is well organised. The chronological order creates an easy to follow flow of the effects and changes of literary criticism. There are no images included, as these would likely not contribute much to the overall essence of the article other than to give visuals of literary critics or titles of literary criticism works. This article could foster discussion regarding the extent to which major movements, themes, and critics shaped this literary genre. In conclusion, it provides a thorough overview of the topic of literary criticism and its effects on the greater literary field.