CONTEMPORARY CRITICISM OF

BRITISH LITERATURE AUTHORS

INTRODUCTION TO CONTEMPORARY CRITICISM OF
BRITISH LITERATURE AUTHORS
The study of British literature within academic settings, such as the ENG 2250
course, often involves engaging with a canon of works traditionally
considered foundational and exemplary. These texts, spanning centuries of
literary production, have shaped linguistic norms, influenced subsequent
artistic movements, and provided invaluable insights into the historical,
social, and cultural landscapes of their times. For generations, authors like
William Shakespeare, John Milton, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and many
others have been celebrated almost universally, their works upheld as
pinnacles of artistic achievement and moral insight. However, in the context of
contemporary scholarship and cultural discourse, the reputations of some
historically celebrated British authors have undergone significant re-
evaluation, leading to widespread criticism, and in some cases, outright
dislike.

This shift in perspective is not merely a matter of changing aesthetic tastes,

though that certainly plays a role. Rather, it reflects profound evolutions in
societal values, ethical frameworks, and critical methodologies. As the 21st
century progresses, readers and scholars bring different sensibilities,
expectations, and ethical lenses to bear on older texts. Issues such as
colonialism, slavery, racial prejudice, gender inequality, class structures, and
sexual politics, which may have been implicitly or explicitly accepted, ignored,
or depicted without critical commentary in earlier eras, are now central to
discussions about the moral and social implications of literature.
Consequently, works and authors that might have been lauded for their style,
narrative complexity, or historical significance fifty or a hundred years ago
may now be critiqued for their problematic representations, outdated
ideologies, or perceived complicity with oppressive systems.

The purpose of this introduction is to provide a comprehensive overview of

the contemporary attitudes towards British literature authors commonly
encountered in courses like ENG 2250, with a particular focus on those who
are now frequently the target of criticism or outright dislike. We will explore
the underlying reasons for this shift, examining how changing cultural
perspectives, evolving literary theories, and new ethical considerations have
contributed to these changing perceptions. This discussion will serve to set
the stage for a more detailed exploration of specific authors and works in
subsequent sections, highlighting the complex interplay between historical
context, literary merit, and modern values.

THE SHIFTING SANDS OF LITERARY REPUTATION

Literary reputation is never static. It is a dynamic construct, shaped by the

prevailing critical paradigms, cultural values, and historical circumstances of
each generation. Authors celebrated in their time may fade into obscurity,
while others, overlooked by their contemporaries, may be rediscovered and
elevated by later generations. The British literary canon itself is not a fixed
entity but has been continually debated, expanded, and challenged. What
distinguishes the current period is the intensity and breadth of the ethical
and social critique being leveled against authors whose places in the canon
seemed, for a long time, relatively secure.

The post-World War II era saw the rise of new critical schools that broadened
the scope of literary analysis beyond formal elements. The emergence of
post-colonial studies, feminist criticism, queer theory, critical race theory, and
cultural studies, among others, provided powerful new tools for examining
the ways in which literature reflects, reinforces, or challenges power
structures and social norms. These critical approaches have been
instrumental in uncovering problematic assumptions and representations
embedded within classic texts, prompting a re-evaluation of their authors and
their place in the literary tradition.

Furthermore, significant societal changes over the past century have

fundamentally altered the lived experiences and ethical sensitivities of
readers. The dismantling of colonial empires, the civil rights movement, the
feminist movement, the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and increasing global
interconnectedness have fostered a greater awareness of social injustices and
marginalized perspectives. Readers today are often less willing to overlook or
excuse expressions of prejudice, discrimination, or complicity in oppressive
systems, even when situated within a historical context. This ethical scrutiny is
a major driver behind the contemporary criticism of certain British authors.
KEY THEMES FUELING CONTEMPORARY DISLIKE

Several recurring themes and issues in classic British literature have become
significant points of contention for modern readers and critics.
Understanding these themes is crucial to grasping why certain authors face
contemporary backlash.

Colonialism and Imperialism

The British Empire was a dominant global force for centuries, and its ideology
and impact are deeply embedded in much of its literature, particularly from
the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Many canonical texts, while not
explicitly endorsing colonialism, operate within a framework that takes British
imperial dominance for granted, often depicting colonized peoples in
stereotypical or dehumanizing ways, celebrating imperial expansion, or
romanticizing the "civilizing mission" of the Empire. Authors like Rudyard
Kipling are obvious examples, whose works overtly promote imperial
ideology. However, even authors whose primary focus was not the Empire
may contain passages or characters that reflect prevailing racist or
Eurocentric attitudes.

Contemporary post-colonial criticism challenges the historical narratives

embedded in these texts, highlighting the voices and experiences of the
colonized and critiquing the power dynamics inherent in imperial
relationships. Readers from formerly colonized nations, or those with an
awareness of the brutal realities of colonial rule, often find the depictions and
assumptions within these texts deeply offensive or insensitive. The
celebration of authors whose work, directly or indirectly, validated or
participated in the colonial project has become increasingly difficult in a post-
colonial world striving for equity and decolonization of thought.

Gender, Misogyny, and Patriarchy

British literature, like much of world literature until relatively recently, was
produced predominantly by men and often reflected the patriarchal
structures of society. Female characters were frequently confined to limited
roles (mother, wife, daughter, love interest), defined by their relationships to
men, and subjected to societal expectations and limitations. While authors
like Jane Austen or the Brontë sisters offered nuanced critiques of these
structures, many male authors, and even some female authors, reproduced
or reinforced patriarchal norms, often depicting women in stereotypical,
submissive, or even misogynistic ways. Issues such as female agency, sexual
autonomy, domestic roles, and intellectual capabilities are treated in ways
that strike modern readers as profoundly unequal or dismissive.

Feminist literary criticism has, for decades, systematically exposed the ways in
which literature reflects and perpetuates gender inequality. Contemporary
readers, raised in societies that, while still grappling with gender issues, have
experienced significant feminist progress, often find the explicit or implicit
misogyny in some classic texts jarring and unacceptable. Authors whose
works contain particularly egregious examples of female objectification,
limitation, or stereotypical portrayal are frequently criticized, prompting
questions about whether the literary merit of the work can outweigh its
harmful social messaging.

Class Bias and Social Inequality

British society has historically been marked by rigid class divisions, and
literature has often reflected and commented upon these structures.
However, the perspective is frequently that of the dominant or aspiring
classes. Working-class characters may be depicted as caricatures, objects of
pity or ridicule, or simply absent from the narrative altogether. Authors may
display a clear bias towards the aristocracy or gentry, valorizing their lifestyles
and values while implicitly or explicitly denigrating lower social strata. The
struggles and experiences of the working class, the poor, or those outside the
established social hierarchy are often marginalized or viewed through a
patronizing lens.

Modern critiques, informed by socialist thought, critical race theory (which

often intersects with class), and a greater emphasis on social justice, question
the inherent class biases present in many canonical texts. The celebration of
authors whose work seems to endorse or ignore deep social inequalities can
be problematic for readers who value egalitarianism and social mobility. The
focus on the concerns and dramas of the upper classes, to the exclusion or
simplistic depiction of others, is seen by some as a significant limitation and a
source of modern dislike.

Outdated Moral and Ethical Frameworks

Literature is often deeply intertwined with the moral and ethical concerns of
its time. However, moral norms evolve. Issues such as sexuality, religious
belief, punishment, and social responsibility were viewed very differently in
past centuries. What was considered morally acceptable or even virtuous
might now be seen as cruel, bigoted, or harmful. For example, attitudes
towards non-normative sexualities, mental illness, disability, or different
religious beliefs expressed in older texts can appear deeply prejudiced or
insensitive to modern sensibilities.

Contemporary ethical criticism scrutinizes the moral frameworks presented or

implied in literary works. When authors seem to endorse or fail to critique
practices or beliefs that are now widely considered unethical or harmful, their
works can become targets of criticism. This is particularly true when the
moralizing within the text feels heavy-handed, judgmental, or out of step with
contemporary values of tolerance, compassion, and human rights. The
challenge lies in distinguishing between depicting the morality of a time and
endorsing it, but for some authors, the line appears blurred or crossed from a
modern viewpoint.

Stylistic Preferences and Accessibility

While perhaps less ethically charged than the thematic concerns, changes in
literary style and reader expectations also contribute to the contemporary
reception of older works. The intricate sentence structures, elaborate
vocabulary, and slower narrative pace common in some earlier periods can
be challenging for modern readers accustomed to more direct language and
faster pacing. Long descriptive passages, extensive digressions, or narrative
conventions that are no longer common can make texts feel inaccessible or
tedious. While difficulty does not inherently equate to dislike, a lack of
immediate engagement or perceived unnecessary complexity can contribute
to a negative reception, especially outside of dedicated academic study.

Furthermore, literary tastes shift. What was considered elegant or profound

prose in one era might be seen as verbose or overly sentimental in another.
The aesthetic values of modernism, postmodernism, and contemporary
literature have influenced what readers appreciate in terms of style, tone, and
structure. Authors whose style feels particularly alien or cumbersome to
contemporary aesthetics may face criticism, sometimes unfairly conflated
with the substance of their work.

RECONCILING HISTORICAL CONTEXT AND MODERN VALUES

One of the central challenges in studying historically celebrated but currently

criticized authors is navigating the tension between understanding the work
within its original historical context and evaluating it through the lens of
contemporary values. Should we excuse problematic elements as products of
their time? Or should we hold historical figures and their works accountable
to modern ethical standards?

Literary scholars generally agree that historical context is essential for

understanding any work of literature. Knowing the social norms, political
climate, scientific understanding, and prevailing ideologies of the period in
which a work was created helps us interpret its meaning and appreciate its
original impact. For instance, understanding the rigid class system of 19th-
century England is crucial to appreciating the social commentary in Dickens
or Austen, even if their perspectives on class are now seen as limited.

However, understanding historical context is not the same as endorsing

historical values. Contemporary criticism argues that while context explains, it
does not necessarily excuse. Acknowledging that an author's views on race or
gender were "typical for their time" does not negate the harm that those
views might have caused or the discomfort they cause to modern readers.
The challenge lies in engaging with the text critically – appreciating its
historical and artistic significance while simultaneously identifying and
critiquing its problematic elements. This involves a more complex form of
reading that moves beyond simple celebration or dismissal.

The debate over "cancel culture" and the fate of problematic historical figures
and their works often enters this discussion. Some argue that applying
modern standards too strictly risks anachronism and leads to the unjustifiable
rejection of important cultural artifacts. Others contend that ignoring or
downplaying the harmful aspects of historical works perpetuates injustice
and fails to acknowledge the pain caused by past ideologies. This ongoing
tension is at the heart of contemporary criticism of British literature.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDYING DISLIKED AUTHORS

Given the significant criticisms leveled against some historically canonical

authors, one might ask why they should still be studied. The answer lies in the
continued value they offer, not necessarily as flawless paragons, but as
complex artifacts that illuminate history, literature, and ourselves.

Firstly, studying these authors provides essential historical insight. Their

works are primary documents that reveal the values, beliefs, prejudices, and
social structures of past eras. Understanding what was considered acceptable
or normal in, say, the Victorian era requires engaging with the literature
produced during that time, even its uncomfortable aspects. This historical
understanding is crucial for tracing the evolution of social thought and for
understanding the roots of contemporary issues.

Secondly, many of these works retain significant literary merit. Their

contributions to narrative technique, character development, use of
language, and thematic exploration are undeniable and have profoundly
influenced subsequent literature. To dismiss them entirely would be to lose
access to a rich vein of literary innovation and artistry. The goal of
contemporary criticism is often not to banish these works but to teach
students how to read them critically, appreciating their strengths while
acknowledging their weaknesses.

Thirdly, engaging with problematic texts is a valuable exercise in critical

thinking. It requires students to grapple with difficult questions about ethics,
representation, authorial intent, and the relationship between art and society.
It teaches them to identify bias, analyze power dynamics, and understand
how historical context shapes perspective. This is a far more productive
approach than simply ignoring works that do not align perfectly with
contemporary values.

Finally, studying these authors allows us to understand the mechanisms of

canon formation and the processes by which literary reputations are made,
challenged, and remade. It highlights the fact that the literary canon is a
human construct, reflecting the values and power dynamics of those who
shape it, and is therefore subject to ongoing re-evaluation.

LOOKING AHEAD

This introduction has laid the groundwork for understanding the complex
landscape of contemporary criticism directed at historically celebrated British
authors. We have seen that this criticism stems from fundamental shifts in
societal values, the emergence of new critical theories, and a heightened
ethical awareness regarding issues such as colonialism, gender, class, and
morality. The following sections will delve into specific authors and their
works, providing concrete examples of how these general trends manifest in
the criticism they face. We will examine the particular controversies
surrounding authors like Joseph Conrad, T.S. Eliot, and perhaps others,
exploring the specific elements in their work that provoke contemporary
dislike or rigorous critique, while also considering the historical context and
enduring literary significance of their contributions. By engaging with these
authors and the criticisms against them, students of British literature can
develop a more nuanced, critical, and historically informed understanding of
the literary tradition and its complex relationship with the ever-evolving
world.