Literary criticism is the study and evaluation of literature, helping readers understand and appreciate different texts. Critics analyze various elements, such as themes, characters, and writing styles, to uncover deeper meanings and insights. This process can involve comparing works by different authors or exploring how a specific literary movement influences a piece of writing. There are many approaches to literary criticism, including formalism, feminist criticism, and post-colonial criticism. Each approach offers unique perspectives, allowing readers to engage with literature in diverse ways. By examining texts through these lenses, literary criticism enriches our understanding of the human experience reflected in literature.