Which of the following best describes the difference between literary criticism and literary theory?
Correct answer: D. Literary theory is concerned with the method used to interpret a work, while literary criticism is the application of literary theory.
- A. Literary criticism is concerned only with the meaning of a literary work, while literary theory is concerned only with the structure of a literary work.
- B. Literary criticism draws upon research derived from sources outside literature, while literary theory draws upon sources within a text.
- C. Literary criticism is concerned with how characters in a text act, while literary theory is concerned with why characters act.
- D. Literary theory is concerned with the method used to interpret a work, while literary criticism is the application of literary theory.
Explanation
Literary theory supplies concepts and methods for interpreting texts, while literary criticism applies those methods to particular works. The other options reduce the distinction to meaning, structure, or character analysis, which are not its basis.
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