Eng.

119- Activity

Instructions: Read and analyze the lecture provided and do the activity that follows:

1. Select excerpts from two different epic poems representing distinct cultural traditions
(e.g., Homer's "The Odyssey" and "The Iliad" for Western tradition, and "The
Mahabharata" for Eastern tradition). Make sure to attach the excerpts chosen.
2. Divide yourselves into 7 small groups and assign each group one excerpt to analyze.
3. In your group, students should identify and discuss the key characteristics of epic
poetry present in your chosen excerpts, focusing on elements such as grand narrative
scope, heroic figures, and cultural significance (applying the Frye Approach).
4. You are encouraged to consider how the poet's use of language, imagery, and structure
contributes to the overall epic quality of the excerpt (utilizing R.S. Crane's approach to
determine the artistic object).
5. Write your group analysis and be ready for your oral presentation at the next meeting.

Here is the lecture for your basis:

TWO APPROACHES IN THE STUDY OF GENRE

R.S. CRANE NORTHROP FRYE

Approach: Determination of the artistic Approach : Radical of presentation

object

To what degree of artistic expulsion any of The relationship between an artist and the
the particular things the writer has done at audience in the presentation of work.
the various levels of his writing, down to
the details of his imagery and language 4 relationships;

Epos – in which the poet speaks or recites

to an audience

Drama- in which the artist’s words are

enacted by characters before an audience

Lyric- in which the audience seems to be

overhearing a poetic speaker who does not
direct the work to them

Fiction – in which the artist writes to a

reading audience
Exploring Genre in Literary Criticism: Frye's Approach and R.S. Crane's Method

Introduction:

Today, we delve into the fascinating world of literary criticism through the lens of genre,
examining two influential approaches: Northrop Frye's approach and R.S. Crane's method.
Genre, as a categorization of literary works based on shared characteristics and conventions,
serves as a fundamental framework for understanding and analyzing literature. Let's explore
how Frye and Crane offer unique perspectives on the study of genre.

Frye's Approach to Genre :

● Northrop Frye, a prominent literary critic, introduced the concept of the literary
archetype and the importance of understanding genres as interconnected
systems.
● Frye's approach emphasizes the idea of the "mythos" or universal narrative
patterns that recur across different genres.
● He classified literature into four primary genres: comedy, tragedy, romance, and
irony/satire, each representing distinct modes of human experience.
● Within each genre, Frye identified archetypal motifs and narrative structures,
such as the hero's journey in romance and the struggle between order and chaos
in tragedy.
● Frye's approach encourages readers to consider how genres shape meaning and
interpretation, highlighting the underlying unity of literature despite its diversity
of forms.
R.S. Crane's Method and the Determination of the Artistic Object:
● R.S. Crane proposed a method of literary criticism focused on determining the
"artistic object" or central focus of a literary work.
● Crane argued that critics should identify the specific features or elements that
constitute the artistic unity of a text, distinguishing it from other works within
the same genre.
● His approach emphasizes close reading and detailed analysis to uncover the
unique aesthetic qualities and thematic coherence of a literary work.
● Crane's method encourages critics to consider both the internal coherence of the
text and its relationship to broader literary traditions and conventions.
● By determining the artistic object, critics can elucidate the deeper meanings and
aesthetic significance of a work within its genre, enriching our understanding of
literature as a whole.
Comparative Analysis and Application:
● Let's apply Frye's approach and Crane's method to a specific literary genre, such
as the Gothic novel.
● Using Frye's framework, we can identify recurring themes and narrative
structures in Gothic literature, such as the exploration of the supernatural and
the motif of the haunted house.
 ● Applying Crane's method, we can analyze a particular Gothic novel to determine
its artistic object, focusing on aspects such as its use of atmosphere,
characterization, and thematic depth.
● Through this comparative analysis, we gain insights into how Frye's approach
and Crane's method complement each other, offering a comprehensive
understanding of genre and its significance in literary criticism.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the study of genre in literary criticism provides a valuable framework for
analyzing and interpreting literature. Frye's approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of
genres and the underlying mythic patterns that shape literary works, while Crane's method
offers a focused approach to determining the artistic object within a specific text. By integrating
these approaches, we can deepen our appreciation of literature's rich diversity and explore the
complex relationships between form, meaning, and interpretation.