For What It's Worth Mary Poovey Summary

Mary Poovey’s article "For What It 'S Worth .." originally published in Critical Inquiry Winter of 2004 begins by claiming literary theories have inflated their success, and their methods are not applicable. Instead Poovey argues for the invention of “new modes of inquiry” (429). Elaborating, Poovey urges for collaboration among various disciplines “in the social and natural sciences” (430). Through partnership, the methods of inquiry and criticism will be improved due to linked analysis of recognizable data. Working with experts in diverse fields such as the social sciences will provide stronger insight into human behavior and advancement in criticism. Poovey maintains the importance of historical inspection but calls current methods underdeveloped.