New Criticism

Definition

New Criticism is a formalist approach to literary analysis that emphasizes close reading of the text itself, focusing on its structure, language, and meaning without considering historical context or authorial intent. This method seeks to uncover the inherent qualities of a work by analyzing its form and symbolism, making it particularly applicable to poetic works like Horace's Odes and Satires, where language and structure play a crucial role in delivering themes and emotions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a reaction against biographical and historical approaches to literature.
2. This method was especially influential in the analysis of poetry, where the interplay of sound, meter, and word choice can create multiple layers of meaning.
3. Horace's Odes exemplify New Criticism due to their intricate use of metaphor and structure, allowing readers to find rich interpretations within the text itself.
4. New Critics often emphasize the 'unity' of a work, arguing that all elements within a poem contribute to its overall meaning and effect.
5. The focus on text over context means that New Criticism often produces interpretations that can seem timeless and universal, allowing for fresh insights into classical works like Horace's Satires.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism enhance our understanding of Horace's Odes through its focus on text analysis?
  • New Criticism enhances our understanding of Horace's Odes by encouraging readers to closely examine the text’s structure, language, and imagery. By analyzing these elements without considering external factors like author intent or historical context, readers can uncover the layers of meaning inherent in Horace's poetic choices. This approach allows for a deeper appreciation of how Horace crafts his themes and emotional resonances through carefully selected words and forms.
• In what ways does the New Criticism approach differ from other literary theories in analyzing Horace's Satires?
  • The New Criticism approach differs from other literary theories by focusing exclusively on the text itself rather than considering outside influences like historical context or biographical details about Horace. While some theories might emphasize the societal implications or moral lessons within the Satires, New Criticism prioritizes close reading to analyze how Horace’s use of irony, tone, and structure convey complex ideas. This leads to interpretations based on textual evidence alone, providing insights into how form contributes to meaning.
• Evaluate how applying New Criticism to Horace’s works could reveal new insights about his portrayal of social issues.
  • Applying New Criticism to Horace’s works could reveal new insights by examining how his poetic techniques shape the portrayal of social issues within Odes and Satires. For instance, analyzing specific metaphors or structures can highlight contradictions or complexities in Horace’s commentary on topics like morality and power. By stripping away biographical or historical lenses, this method can uncover unique interpretations that emphasize the artistry in Horace’s language, suggesting that his critique of society is woven intricately into the very fabric of his poetry.

Related terms

Close Reading: A careful and detailed analysis of a text that focuses on its language, structure, and meaning to interpret its significance.

Formalist Criticism: A literary theory that emphasizes the study of a text's form and style, prioritizing the work itself over external factors like author biography or historical context.

Imagery: Descriptive language used in literature to create visual representations and evoke sensory experiences, often crucial in understanding a poem's deeper meanings.