Hellenistic literary criticism

Hellenistic literary criticism, originating around the 3rd century BCE, focused on analyzing and evaluating literature to understand its style, purpose, and impact. Critics from this period emphasized clarity, simplicity, and elegance in writing, advocating for balanced and intellectual expression. They studied texts to determine their moral and philosophical value and often applied rhetorical techniques to enhance style and persuasion. Thinkers like Aristarchus and Dionysius of Halicarnassus sought to establish rules for good writing, blending literary analysis with practical guidance, shaping ideas about literature that influence Western criticism up to today.