The Mirror and the Lamp: Romantic Theory and the Critical Tradition

Abrams provides several historical definitions of poetry. Choose one of them and explain, using textual support, whether that definition is still used and explain why it is or is not still in usage.

Abrams splits literary criticism into four co-ordinates (Mimetic, Pragmatic, Expressive, and Objective). In the later 20th century and early 21st century, literary criticism has evolved again. Looking at criticism from 1950 through 2025, propose new co-ordinates that more closely align with current criticism.

Abrams largely avoids directly engaging with or analyzing literature. Explain why this choice is effective or ineffective for his larger goals, incorporating clear textual evidence.