Composing

Independent
Critique of a
Chosen
Selection
CRITIQUE
Verb
Critique means to review or examine
something critically.

Noun:
Critique is that review or examination,
like an art essay or a book report.
 CRITIQUE
The French version of this word
is spelled the same (meaning
"the art of criticism") and
came from the Greek kritike
tekhne ("the critical art").
 CRITIQUE
Evaluating (a theory or practice) in a
detailed and analytical way.

It contains a careful evaluation mainly on

the following elements of a narrative such
as characterization, setting, conflict and
plot, theme and style.
 PURPOSE
To broaden a reader's understanding of an
author's work by summarizing,
interpreting, and exploring its value.

To know the value of the literary piece

and we can also determine the strengths
and weaknesses of the piece.
 INTRODUCTION
 Introduction part includes the
name of the book or work of
art that your analysis will
tackle.
POINT ON INTRODUCTION
• Mention the name of the author and the
title of the work
 
• Give a brief summary, including a
description, background or context of the
work
 
• Indicate the elements you want to
examine, and state the purpose of your
critique or essay (THESIS STATEMENT)
 THESIS STATEMENT
• Tells your reader what to expect: it is a restricted,
precisely worded declarative sentence that states the
purpose of your essay – the point you are trying to
make.

• Ex: Gwendolyn Brook’s 1960 poem “The Ballad of

Rudolph Reed” demonstrates how the poet uses the
conventional poetic form of the ballad to treat the
unconventional poetic subject of racial intolerance.
 OUTLINING
• helps you construct and organize ideas in a
sequential manner and thoughtful flow.

• to have a well-organize and effective paper.

 BODY
It centers the information or thought of
the critique.

The body of the critique contains the

supporting paragraphs. This is where
you will provide the facts that prove
your main idea and support your
thesis. 
 POINT ON BODY
• Give a systematic and detailed assessment
of the different elements of the work, but
make sure your discussion and judgment
will be supported by specific details such
as quotes or examples from the work
itself.
 ELEMENTS
Setting
How well was the setting developed?
Does it appeal to more than one of the senses?
Does it inform or connect to other aspects of the
story such as character development and
narrative style?
 ELEMENTS
Characterization
How well-drawn are the characters in the story?
Do we know enough about them (life, attitudes,
some type of history, etc.) to make them
interesting and relatable?
Are there unnecessary characters?
 ELEMENTS
Conflict & Plot
Is there a conflict in the story?
Is the plot interesting, original and well-
developed?
Are there unnecessary and confusing subplots?
 ELEMENTS
Theme
How well does the story speak to the readers?
Does it raise questions about life, or provide
profound insights?
 ELEMENTS
Style
How distinctive or unique is the writing style?
Are there literary devices or techniques used?
Is it purposeful?
Does the style remind you of any other authors
you have read?
 CONCLUSION

The conclusion reasserts your overall

general opinion of the ideas presented
in the text and ensures there is no
doubt in the reader’s mind about what
you believe and why. 
 The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

When speaking of feminist literature that is prominent and manages to touch on incredibly controversial
issues, The Yellow Wallpaper is the first book that comes to mind. Written from a first-person perspective,
magnifying the effect of the narrative, the short story by Charlotte Perkins Gilman introduces the reader to
the problem of the physical and mental health of the women of the 19th century. However, the message
that is intended to concern feminist ideas is rather subtle. Written in the form of several diary entries, the
novel offers a mysterious plot, and at the same time, shockingly realistic details.

What really stands out about the novel is the fact that the reader is never really sure how much of the story
takes place in reality and how much of it happens in the psychotic mind of the protagonist. In addition, the
novel contains a plethora of description that contributes to the strain and enhances the correlation between
the atmosphere and the protagonist’s fears: “The color is repellent, almost revolting; a smoldering unclean
yellow, strangely faded by the slow-turning sunlight” (Gilman).

Despite Gilman’s obvious intent to make the novel a feminist story with a dash of thriller thrown in, the
result is instead a thriller with a dash of feminism, as Allen (2009) explains. However, there is no doubt
that the novel is a renowned classic. Offering a perfect portrayal of the 19th-century stereotypes, it is a
treasure that is certainly worth the read.