Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part B (2024)

The term theory derives from the Greek word theorein, meaning ‘to look at.’ The word theory provides the reader with a set of frameworks through which they would be able to analyses the world around them. The term theory has been appropriately described as an amalgamation of intellectual history, morality, philosophy, social beliefs, etc., studied together but not following a perspective of literary productivity. Further, a literary theory acts as a tool for the readers to analyses and understand a work of literature. A Literary Theory enables the readers to understand the relationship between author and work and to analyses the thematic aspects within the texts. Whereas, in Literary Criticism, a critic conveys the appeal, relevance and importance of a literary work to the readers. Here, the term criticism means explanation, elucidation, evaluation, assessment, discussing positive aspects of a work of literature and co-relating one work with another work of literature. This paper aims to study the significance of the understanding of the terms theory, literary theory and literary criticism. Through the practical application of literary theory and literary criticism, one can intentionally participate in the endless conversation about the concepts of ourselves, culture, society and the role of literary texts in reshaping the concepts. This will help the readers to understand the origin, need and difference before studying and interpreting a work of literature. This paper also will try to emphasise the significant contributions of classical thinkers, who are now being ignored and considered inadequate beneath the glittering personality of modern theorists.