Final answer:
A literary text is a written work with artistic value, often fiction, poetry, or drama. Literary analysis is the detailed examination of the elements that form such a text, while literary criticism evaluates and discusses these works.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Literary Text?
A literary text is a work of fiction, poetry, or drama that is valued for its artistic merits. It is differentiated from other texts by its emphasis on imagination, narrative, and intricate language patterns. The term literature itself has evolved from its original definition of all written works to now implying texts with literary quality or literary merit. Essentially, literary works are conceived not just for informational purposes but for their ability to invoke a deep emotional and intellectual response from the reader.
Literary analysis involves dissecting these texts to understand their subject matter, structure, word choice, and underlying meanings. This analysis is akin to looking under a microscope, examining everything from the plot and themes to imagery and character development. Literary criticism is a further step where the text is evaluated, compared, and discussed either through different theoretical lenses or as a response to other critics' interpretations.
The goal of exploring literary texts is not only academic, but it extends to a deeper comprehension of the human condition, society's values, and the complexity of the human psyche. Such texts invite readers and critics alike to ponder on what a text reveals about life and existence.