The Four Modes

of

Literary Theory

Name	Definition
Mimetic Criticism	The literary work is an imitation of the world and the actions of its inhabitants. The primary interest is in authenticity and realism, even though there is allowance for fiction and imagination in the play, performance, or text.
Pragmatic Criticism	The literary work is a construction that seeks to produce certain effects on its audience (pleasure, fear, moral responsibility…) and the critic judges in terms of the fulfillment of the work’s promise.
Expressive Criticism	The literary work is primarily seen as the creation of its author, the fine representation of the imagination, genius, psychological or psychoanalytical forces of the author.
Objective Criticism	The literary work stands free from the author, the audience, or the world. The critic relies entirely on the text itself to find the criteria by which to comprehend and judge the work.