Essay:Literary Criticism
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The purpose of this stub of an essay is to instantiate what little I know of literary criticism onto the internet, thus establishing a basis for futile controversy that may prove durable enough to continue indefinitely. The character of the contrarian is to be found in almost every person, and often confirms its presence in common experience. In some cultures the practice of acting in a contrary manner has been ritualized. Out of a sense of economy, the following scene from the Motion Picture, Little Big Man, dramatizes the effect of histrionic contrariety. I maintain that the literary critic can often be characterized as a contrarian with a dictionary and an internet connection. Anything one writes that expresses a more elevated sort of approval is typically seen as a paid advertisement.