What is the purpose of a literary critique?

The purpose of a literary critique is to analyze, interpret, and evaluate a literary work. This involves examining various elements such as themes, characters, language, and the author's style, which allows for a deeper understanding of the text. Through critique, readers can uncover underlying meanings and assess the effectiveness of the work in conveying its message or emotional impact.

While summarizing the work briefly may provide a basic understanding, it does not engage with the text in the way that analysis and evaluation do. Promoting an author's next book does not directly relate to the critical examination of their existing work, and providing background information, though useful, is not the primary aim of a critique. The essential goal of a literary critique is to foster a comprehensive view of the work that goes beyond surface-level observations.