The word criticism is derived from the Greek word meaning ' Judgment', and hence literary criticism is the exercise of judgment on works of literature. So its nature is the play of the mind on a work of literature. Its function is to examine its excellences and defects to evaluate its artistic worth. The matter, the manner, the technique and language of a piece of literature may be put to searching examination and in this way its literary worth may be assessed. The true critic will dwell on excellences rather than imperfections.