Here's a breakdown:
* Literary criticism is the analysis and interpretation of literary works. It involves examining the work's form, content, style, and overall effectiveness.
* What's effective: This refers to the elements of the literary work that contribute to its success, such as strong character development, engaging plot, vivid imagery, meaningful themes, and masterful use of language.
* What's not effective: This refers to the elements of the literary work that detract from its effectiveness, such as weak characterization, plot holes, clichés, uninspired writing, and lack of clarity.
Literary criticism can be formal or informal, academic or casual, and can focus on various aspects of the literary work, such as:
* Theme and meaning: Exploring the underlying ideas and messages of the work.
* Character development: Analyzing the characters' personalities, motivations, and growth.
* Plot and structure: Examining the flow of events and the overall structure of the work.
* Style and language: Analyzing the author's use of language, imagery, and literary devices.
* Historical context: Understanding the work's historical and cultural background.
Ultimately, literary criticism aims to understand and appreciate the literary work better, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and contribute to ongoing conversations about its significance.