ENG3703 Assignment 3 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: September 2025
INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF LITERATURE: A
CRITICAL COMPARISON
INTRODUCTION
Literary studies have long been divided between two broad approaches: those that
concentrate on the intrinsic qualities of a text and those that focus on extrinsic or contextual
factors. The first approach treats literature primarily as an aesthetic object, emphasising
form, language, structure, and coherence. This perspective underpinned movements such
as Formalism and New Criticism, which sought to define the literary work as a self-contained
whole, separate from the life of the author, the reader, or the broader cultural setting. The
second approach treats literature as a cultural product embedded in society, shaped by
ideology, history, politics, and social forces. This perspective underlies Marxist criticism,
feminism, postcolonial theory, and other contextual approaches that highlight power
relations, identity, and ideology in the interpretation of literature.
This essay critically compares intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to literary study. It
examines their theoretical assumptions, explains the kinds of critical practices they inspire,
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF LITERATURE:
A CRITICAL COMPARISON
INTRODUCTION
Literary studies have long been divided between two broad approaches: those that
concentrate on the intrinsic qualities of a text and those that focus on extrinsic or
contextual factors. The first approach treats literature primarily as an aesthetic
object, emphasising form, language, structure, and coherence. This perspective
underpinned movements such as Formalism and New Criticism, which sought to
define the literary work as a self-contained whole, separate from the life of the
author, the reader, or the broader cultural setting. The second approach treats
literature as a cultural product embedded in society, shaped by ideology, history,
politics, and social forces. This perspective underlies Marxist criticism, feminism,
postcolonial theory, and other contextual approaches that highlight power relations,
identity, and ideology in the interpretation of literature.
This essay critically compares intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to literary study. It
examines their theoretical assumptions, explains the kinds of critical practices they
inspire, and weighs their strengths and weaknesses. By drawing on key theorists
and debates, the essay shows that neither approach is neutral or complete. Each
has its own limitations but also provides insights that enrich our understanding of
literature. The essay concludes by considering how contemporary criticism often
combines the two, seeking a balance between attention to the formal qualities of the
text and awareness of its cultural, political, and social contexts.
INTRINSIC APPROACHES: LITERATURE AS AN AESTHETIC OBJECT
Intrinsic approaches emerged strongly in the early twentieth century as a response
to what was perceived as a lack of rigour in literary criticism. Earlier practices, such
as biographical criticism, relied heavily on the author’s life, psychology, or intentions.
Formalists and New Critics rejected this method, insisting that criticism should focus
on the text itself.
Theoretical Arguments
Russian Formalism was one of the earliest intrinsic schools, with critics such as
Viktor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson stressing the concept of literariness. For
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: September 2025
INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF LITERATURE: A
CRITICAL COMPARISON
INTRODUCTION
Literary studies have long been divided between two broad approaches: those that
concentrate on the intrinsic qualities of a text and those that focus on extrinsic or contextual
factors. The first approach treats literature primarily as an aesthetic object, emphasising
form, language, structure, and coherence. This perspective underpinned movements such
as Formalism and New Criticism, which sought to define the literary work as a self-contained
whole, separate from the life of the author, the reader, or the broader cultural setting. The
second approach treats literature as a cultural product embedded in society, shaped by
ideology, history, politics, and social forces. This perspective underlies Marxist criticism,
feminism, postcolonial theory, and other contextual approaches that highlight power
relations, identity, and ideology in the interpretation of literature.
This essay critically compares intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to literary study. It
examines their theoretical assumptions, explains the kinds of critical practices they inspire,
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRINSIC AND EXTRINSIC APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF LITERATURE:
A CRITICAL COMPARISON
INTRODUCTION
Literary studies have long been divided between two broad approaches: those that
concentrate on the intrinsic qualities of a text and those that focus on extrinsic or
contextual factors. The first approach treats literature primarily as an aesthetic
object, emphasising form, language, structure, and coherence. This perspective
underpinned movements such as Formalism and New Criticism, which sought to
define the literary work as a self-contained whole, separate from the life of the
author, the reader, or the broader cultural setting. The second approach treats
literature as a cultural product embedded in society, shaped by ideology, history,
politics, and social forces. This perspective underlies Marxist criticism, feminism,
postcolonial theory, and other contextual approaches that highlight power relations,
identity, and ideology in the interpretation of literature.
This essay critically compares intrinsic and extrinsic approaches to literary study. It
examines their theoretical assumptions, explains the kinds of critical practices they
inspire, and weighs their strengths and weaknesses. By drawing on key theorists
and debates, the essay shows that neither approach is neutral or complete. Each
has its own limitations but also provides insights that enrich our understanding of
literature. The essay concludes by considering how contemporary criticism often
combines the two, seeking a balance between attention to the formal qualities of the
text and awareness of its cultural, political, and social contexts.
INTRINSIC APPROACHES: LITERATURE AS AN AESTHETIC OBJECT
Intrinsic approaches emerged strongly in the early twentieth century as a response
to what was perceived as a lack of rigour in literary criticism. Earlier practices, such
as biographical criticism, relied heavily on the author’s life, psychology, or intentions.
Formalists and New Critics rejected this method, insisting that criticism should focus
on the text itself.
Theoretical Arguments
Russian Formalism was one of the earliest intrinsic schools, with critics such as
Viktor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson stressing the concept of literariness. For
