Literary criticism is the study, evaluation, and interpretation of literature. It encompasses a wide range of approaches, from analyzing the structure and style of a text to exploring its historical and cultural contexts. Critics often engage with works by authors such as Virginia Woolf and F. Scott Fitzgerald, providing insights that enhance our understanding of their themes and techniques. Through various lenses, including feminist, Marxist, and post-colonial perspectives, literary criticism helps readers appreciate the complexities of literature. By examining the relationships between texts and their societal influences, critics contribute to a deeper appreciation of the written word and its impact on culture.