New Historicism

Definition

New Historicism is a critical approach that emphasizes the historical context of a literary work, arguing that literature cannot be fully understood without considering the social, political, and cultural circumstances of its time. This perspective seeks to explore how historical events influence texts and how those texts, in turn, reflect and shape historical narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Historicism emerged in the 1980s as a reaction against formalist criticism, which often disregarded historical context.
2. This approach encourages readers to consider the power dynamics of the time when a text was written, including issues like class struggle, gender roles, and colonialism.
3. New Historicists often analyze literary works alongside historical documents to uncover deeper meanings and connections.
4. The approach is particularly relevant to works from periods of significant political upheaval or change, such as the Revolutionary era or during the rise of American nationalism.
5. Key figures in New Historicism include Stephen Greenblatt, who emphasizes the relationship between literature and culture as part of a larger discourse.

Review Questions

• How does New Historicism allow readers to interpret Revolutionary-era poetry differently than traditional literary analysis?
  • New Historicism provides a lens for understanding Revolutionary-era poetry by situating it within the specific social and political context of its time. Rather than viewing these poems solely as artistic expressions, this approach highlights how they reflect the tensions and struggles of the era, such as colonial resistance and the quest for independence. By examining historical events alongside these poems, readers can uncover how poets responded to their societal conditions and how their work contributed to revolutionary sentiments.
• Discuss how New Historicism enhances our understanding of themes in Herman Melville's 'Moby-Dick' by examining its historical context.
  • New Historicism enhances our understanding of 'Moby-Dick' by situating Melville's exploration of obsession and identity within the backdrop of 19th-century America. This period was marked by industrialization, expansionism, and complex relationships with nature and society. By analyzing how these historical factors influence Melville's narrative choices, readers can better appreciate themes like capitalism's impact on human relationships and existential struggles in the face of an unpredictable world.
• Evaluate how New Historicism can reshape our interpretation of both Revolutionary-era political satire and 'Moby-Dick', considering their respective historical narratives.
  • New Historicism can reshape our interpretation by revealing how both Revolutionary-era political satire and 'Moby-Dick' engage with their distinct historical narratives in meaningful ways. Political satire from the Revolutionary era often critiques authority and highlights social injustices prevalent at the time, reflecting the struggles for independence and identity. In contrast, 'Moby-Dick' addresses broader existential themes but does so against a backdrop of American expansionism and industrialization. Analyzing these texts through a New Historicist lens allows us to see how they not only reflect but also challenge their historical contexts, creating a dialogue between literature and history that deepens our understanding of both.

Related terms

Cultural Context: The social, political, and economic factors that influence the creation and interpretation of a literary work.

Intertextuality: The relationship between texts, where one text references or is influenced by another, highlighting the interconnectedness of literature across time.

Historical Materialism: A methodology that focuses on the material conditions of life and their influence on society and culture, often associated with Marxist theory.