'keyword criticism',put forward by Raymond Williams,opens a new window,which reflects the disciplinary development via the explanation of core terms.It also provides a brand new research paradigm,which enlightens the increasingly stylized and prejudiced literary research in terms of methodology.Since the 1990s,there has been a noticeable phenomenon of keywords in the field of literary criticism.The 'keyword criticism' has many new changes and advances at the level of critical practices.For instance,instead of focusing on the etymological review,the current 'keyword criticism' examines the derivation of keywords in the critical practices,aiming at the construction and development of literary criticism theory and relevant subjects.It embodies the tendency to emphasize the close connection between the critical practices and the corresponding literary text.Some breakthroughs are made in the system of compilation and the literariness is signified further.All these reveal a new direction for the development of the 'keyword criticism'，and also show its vitality and achievements in the context of the new era.While fully understanding the theoretical value of the 'keyword criticism',we should pay attention to some theory traps and practice paradoxes to avoid the transformation of political perspective,i.e.from the original onedimensional view to the only angle perspective.We should beware of keywords' hegemony and superficialness as well.