Literary criticism
Literary criticism is thought to have existed as far back as the classical period. In the 4th century BC Aristotle wrote the "Poetics", a typology and description of literary forms with many specific criticisms of contemporary works of art. "Poetics" developed for the first time the concepts of mimesis and catharsis, which are still crucial in literary studies. Plato's attacks on poetry as imitative, secondary, and false were formative as well. The Sanskrit "Natya Shastra" includes literary criticism on ancient Indian literature and Sanskrit drama.