Describe, with examples if possible, the four orientations of criticism found in the first chapter of M. H. Abrams 'The Mirror and the Lamp'.

In the first chapter of the Orientation of critical theories entitled The Mirror and the Lamp (1953) M. H. Abrams concentrates on four main elements; the universe, the audience, the artist, and the work and relates them to four broad critical theories that explain the nature and worth of art. He explains that almost all theories will make use of at least one of these elements, some all four. That is a critic will derive from …

…that the objective theories are the all inclusive approach to poetry. In addition to this I have learned that these theories are not constant, they are variable, however they each have their own characteristics to be associated with. In conclusion, M. H. Abrams work has been extremely useful in describing critical orientations from the time of Plato to the present day. References M. H. Abrams. Orientation of critical theory. Chapter 1, The Mirror and the Lamp. 1953.