ENGL 3380: Literary Analysis

The subject term “English” means “British.” So, "English literature" means the literature of England (Britain), not literature written in English. Compare this to "American Literature," "Irish literature," "Scottish Literature," "French literature," etc. Follow this pattern for other specifc literary genres, i.e., fiction, poetry, short stories.

Examples

• English poetry.
• War poetry, English.
• Short stories, Irish.

The subdivision “History and criticism” means that the book offers literary criticism, history, and analysis on thattopic. When you are browsing subject headings, look for your lead term subdivided by "History and criticism" for the broadest selection of criticism on your topic.

Examples

• Literature, Modern--20th century--History and criticism.
• Lesbians' writings, American--History and criticism.

The subdivision "Criticism and interpretation" means that the book offers criticism and analysis of an author's works or endeavors, without a primary focus on biographical details.

Example

• Dickinson, Emily, 1830-1886--Criticism and interpretation.

Critical analysis can also be offered under the author's name as subject without any subdivisions, but usually the unsubdivided author heading contains works more biographical or general in nature. Compare the results of the --Criticism and interpreation heading above to the following:

Dickinson, Emily, 1830-1886.

If the work is primarily a biography, an additional heading will tell you so. The subject will be the class of persons to which the author belongs, subdivided by --Biography. For example, Emily Dickinson's most specific class is "Poets, American--19th Century":

Poets, American--19th century--Biography.

If the work has other topics, the name heading will be paired with a topical heading, such as:

• Women and literature--United States--History--19th century.
• Daughters in literature.