Final answer:
C.S. Lewis in 'An Experiment in Criticism' explores the way readers interact with literature, contributing important ideas to the field of literary criticism and analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In An Experiment in Criticism, C.S. Lewis analyzes the nature and experience of reading literature. Lewis proposes that the quality of books should be measured not only by their content and form but by the way readers engage with them. His inquiry touches upon various aspects of literary criticism and argues for a consideration of what it means to read well, rather than solely focusing on literary texts themselves.
Literary criticism, as a discipline, involves scrutinizing and interpreting the text to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and structure. Lewis's work discusses the approach readers take, distinguishing between those who use literature to reinforce their ego and those who are open to the transformative experience literature can provide. He delves into topics like the characteristics of a 'good' reader and the nature of literary appreciation, contributing to the ongoing conversation about the purpose and values of literary analysis.