I.A. Richards

I.A. Richards was a key figure in literary criticism and linguistic theory. He focused on how language shapes our emotions and understanding, emphasizing that the aesthetic value of art lies in the feelings and insights it evokes, rather than any objective standard. His metaphor theory posits that metaphors are fundamental to human thought, influencing how we perceive and express complex ideas. Richards argued for a more nuanced appreciation of texts, suggesting that meaning is not fixed but shaped by individual experience, context, and interpretation. This paved the way for modern literary criticism and an understanding of art's subjective impact.