Literary criticism is an extremely important aspect of the writing process. Literary criticism is a technique used during the revision process which allows us to take the ideas we have written, and build on them to make them stronger and more powerful. Although it can be called literary criticism, I prefer to call it literary suggestion. I feel like this is a better way to put it due to the fact that quite often when someone hears the word "criticism", they automatically thing negatively. Literary criticism though, is not something that is negative. The greatest writers have used this technique to perfect the works of art they have produced.
I feel literary criticism is extremely important for us as students for many reasons. Often times when writing a paper, my eyes become weak and my mind becomes a mush. Looking at a computer screen, brainstorming, and employing the techniques taught to us in class takes a toll on you. As I reread my work I fail to recognize sentences which are lacking edge or just don't sound right. By allowing for someone with a fresh set of eyes who has no tie to what has been written criticize my work, I can receive constructive suggestions on how to take what I have written and make it better.
Although you often feel frustrated when someone tells you to change what you have done, it is important to keep a positive out look. The fact that you have put down something to edit, is a task in itself. By then taking what someone else has said, and incorporating it into your paper, you have accomplished two monumental tasks. No one person is flawless, and the sooner you realize that, the sooner you will publish great works!
