What is the primary goal of a literary critique?

The primary goal of a literary critique is to evaluate and interpret a text. This involves analyzing the various elements of a work, such as its themes, characters, structure, and language, in order to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance. A comprehensive critique not only assesses the quality of the writing but also engages with its broader implications, exploring how it resonates with readers and reflects its cultural or historical context.

While summarizing the main ideas of a text can be part of understanding it, a critique goes beyond mere summary to delve into analysis and interpretation. Providing historical context can enrich a critique but is not its primary focus. Similarly, offering personal opinions can be a component of a critique, but these opinions need to be supported by evidence and analysis rather than simply serving as subjective remarks. Thus, the emphasis of a literary critique lies predominantly in evaluation and interpretation.