What is the role of a literary critic?

• A. To provide entertainment through storytelling.
• B. To analyze, evaluate, and interpret literature for better reader understanding.
• C. To write fictional stories.
• D. To summarize texts for brevity.

Answer: (B)

The role of a literary critic is fundamentally focused on the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of literature. This function allows them to delve deeply into various works, assessing elements such as themes, structure, character development, and language use. Through their critical lens, they provide insights that enhance the reader's understanding of a text, often uncovering deeper meanings or connections that may not be immediately apparent.

By engaging with literature in this way, literary critics help to foster appreciation for the complexity and richness of literary works, guiding readers to recognize various techniques an author employs and how those choices impact the overall interpretation of the text. This analytical process ultimately contributes to a greater engagement with literature, promoting critical thinking and enriching the reading experience.