I. A. Richards – Four Kinds of Meaning
I. A. Richards, one of the founders of modern literary criticism and New Criticism, introduced the idea that words do not have a single fixed meaning. In his theory of “Four Kinds of Meaning”, he explains how every piece of language carries multiple layers of meaning simultaneously. Understanding these meanings is essential for interpreting poetry accurately.
The Four Kinds of Meaning
According to Richards, every sentence—especially in poetry—contains four kinds of meaning:
- Sense
- Feeling
- Tone
- Intention
These meanings work together and cannot be separated in real communication.
1. Sense
Sense is the literal, logical meaning of the words. It is the information or idea expressed.
Example: "The sun sets in the west."
→ factual, literal meaning.
In poetry, sense refers to what the poem is saying at the surface level.
2. Feeling
Feeling refers to the emotions and attitudes revealed through the words. It shows the poet’s emotional response to the subject.
Example: “The lonely road stretched endlessly.” → suggests sadness or isolation, beyond literal meaning.
Feelings make poetry expressive and personal.
3. Tone
Tone indicates the poet’s attitude toward the reader or audience— how the poet wants to communicate.
It can be:
- polite
- sarcastic
- humble
- authoritative
- playful
Tone helps us understand the speaker’s relationship with the reader.
4. Intention
Intention is what the poet is trying to do with the language— the purpose behind the words.
It answers questions like:
- Why was this poem written?
- What effect does the poet want to create?
- What is the underlying message?
Example: Satire intends to criticize; elegy intends to mourn; lyric intends to express emotion.
How the Four Meanings Work Together
Richards emphasises that these four meanings rarely appear separately. Every poetic line carries an interconnected mixture of:
- literal meaning (sense)
- emotion (feeling)
- attitude towards the reader (tone)
- purpose (intention)
A good critic must analyse all four to fully interpret a poem.
Example (Illustration)
Line: “My love is like a red, red rose.”
- Sense: Comparing love to a rose.
- Feeling: Deep affection and admiration.
- Tone: Warm, romantic, tender.
- Intention: To praise and idealise the beloved.
Importance in Literary Criticism
- Helps avoid subjective interpretation.
- Provides a scientific method for reading poetry.
- Connects psychology with literary analysis.
- Forms the base for close reading (New Criticism).
- Encourages readers to see poetry as a complex communication system.
Critical Analysis
- Richards revolutionised criticism by treating language scientifically.
- He showed poetry is not vague but layered and structured.
- His four meanings help readers move beyond the surface.
- The method promotes careful, balanced interpretation.
- However, some critics say it reduces poetry to psychological elements.
Quick Revision Table
| Type of Meaning | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Sense | Literal or logical meaning of words. |
| Feeling | Emotions expressed by the poet. |
| Tone | Poet’s attitude toward the reader. |
| Intention | Purpose or aim behind the poem. |
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Critic | I. A. Richards |
| Work | The Four Kinds of Meaning (from *Practical Criticism*) |
| Approach | Scientific, psychological, analytical |
| Contribution | Foundation of New Criticism / close reading |
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