The Function of Criticism: Problems and Exercises

by Yvor Winters

"The Function of Criticism," published in 1957, follows by ten years the author's first book of criticism, "In Defense of Reason," the omnibus volume of all Mr. Winters' criticism up to that time. This newer book accumulates Mr. Winters' published critical writings of the previous decade. Here are observed the same qualities of the full and complete critic, moving to additional problems, additional materials.

Genres: Literary Criticism

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Yvor Winters (1900-1968) was a poet, critic, and Stanford University professor of English literature. He won the Bollingen Prize in 1961.

Reviews

[Will Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winters has long been written-off as a literary critic, though he influenced many of the greatest writers and thinkers of his era. The ripples are still around, though far-flung and dwindling. Still, it's bracing to see this literary lion writing in the old-school style - trenchantly, passionately, uncompromisingly. One does not agree with all his verdicts, inevitably, but it's good to be reminded that English scholars once commanded tone and diction. And respect.

[Alec · Rating 4 out of 5]

My overall (erroneous) impression is that Winters is at his best when I disagree with him. And because I disagree generally, the book is hugely entertaining. Sense of direction is key I think; the function of criticism as far as I am concerned (and, possibly, among other things) is to make people see things their preconceptions obscure and their meandering minds skip over. I learned that from I. A. Richards, although I happened to disagree with him very often as well. So, you do not make a furrow, if your plough keeps skipping and your eyes are engaged in augury. Winters has a very strong sense of direction; he has a strong idea about poetry and shows how some poets fulfill his expectations while others differ. And in the end I don't mind that Frost emerges as stupid and Hopkins stumbles over his own feet. In my love for them I do not waver; their sufferings at the hands of Winters are beautiful.
Incidentally, Winters demolishes his own concept as well, in succinct, acerbic prose. His opponents in criticism are weak, but his references among poets are gigantic. I have been properly edified.