Ready? 🎧 Episode 04 – How to Write Critical Appreciation?

In this enriching and deeply instructive episode, Dr Alok Mishra unpacks one of the most essential skills every student of English literature must master: the art of writing critical appreciation. With his signature clarity and erudition, Dr Mishra delves into what it truly means to appreciate a literary work, not merely as a passive reader, but as an active, analytical, and empathetic participant in the text’s universe.

Beginning with a foundational understanding of the term “critical appreciation,” Dr Mishra distinguishes it from summary or general commentary, emphasising its academic rigour and its relevance in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. He guides listeners through the key elements one must engage with when approaching a poem, novel, or play critically: structure, style, language, tone, theme, symbolism, and socio-historical context. Rather than prescribing formulaic steps, he encourages students to develop a method of “literary feeling” in tandem with technical understanding.

Dr Mishra gives particular attention to how students should balance objective analysis with personal insight, grounding their observations in textual evidence while also being attuned to the work’s aesthetic and philosophical depth. He explains how a well-crafted critical appreciation must engage with form and content simultaneously, moving beyond surface-level reactions to uncover the deeper architecture of a work of literature.

Whether you are preparing for exams, writing papers, or simply hoping to elevate your literary engagement, this episode offers a practical, intellectually stimulating roadmap to becoming a sharper, more confident literary critic. It is a must-listen for students, educators, and literary aspirants alike.

🎓 About Dr Alok Mishra
Dr Alok Mishra is a noted literary critic, poet, and educator with deep contributions to Indian English literature and criticism. Founder of English Literature Education and Indian Authors, he is known for making literary studies accessible through digital platforms. His academic pursuits focus on postcolonial theory, Indian English poetry, and contemporary literary trends. As a mentor and speaker, Dr Mishra continues to inspire a new generation of scholars with his insightful analyses and innovative approaches to literature.