“A Theory of Literary Criticism”

"A Theory of Literary Criticism" is a philosophical framework by Cleanth Brooks that explores how to interpret and evaluate literature. It emphasizes understanding a text’s meaning through close reading, focusing on the relationships within the work—its symbols, themes, and structure—rather than external factors like author intent or historical context. The theory advocates for appreciating literature as a self-contained system of language and ideas, encouraging readers to analyze how the details contribute to the overall significance. Essentially, it provides tools for appreciating the complexity and unity of literary works through attentive, detailed analysis.