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 while ignoring historical context and authorial intent. This method promotes an objective analysis of literature by treating the text as an independent entity, leading to a deeper understanding of its artistic elements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against biographical and historical interpretations of literature.
2. Key figures in New Criticism include John Crowe Ransom, Cleanth Brooks, and W.K. Wimsatt, who were influential in establishing its principles.
3. This approach insists that the text should be analyzed without external influences, leading to an interpretation that is based solely on its inherent qualities.
4. New Critics often focused on poetic devices, such as imagery, symbolism, and irony, to uncover layers of meaning within a work.
5. The methodology of New Criticism has significantly impacted literary education, emphasizing analytical skills that are still prevalent in teaching today.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism differ from other literary theories that consider historical context or authorial intent in their analyses?
  • New Criticism stands apart from other literary theories by prioritizing the text itself over any external factors like historical background or the author's personal experiences. This approach encourages readers to focus solely on the words and structures within the text to derive meaning. In contrast, theories like historical criticism involve contextual analysis, while biographical criticism examines an author's life as a key component of interpretation.
• Discuss the role of close reading in New Criticism and why it is essential for understanding literature according to this approach.
  • Close reading is central to New Criticism as it allows readers to engage deeply with the text, analyzing its language, structure, and various literary devices. This meticulous examination helps uncover complexities and nuances that may be overlooked in broader analyses. By isolating the text from external influences, close reading fosters a more nuanced understanding of its artistic elements, making it essential for readers aiming to grasp the full depth of a work.
• Evaluate how New Criticism has influenced contemporary literary analysis and whether its principles remain relevant today.
  • New Criticism has had a lasting impact on contemporary literary analysis by instilling a focus on close reading and formal elements of texts. While some critics argue that this approach overlooks significant cultural and historical contexts that shape literature, many educational institutions still emphasize close reading techniques derived from New Criticism. The principles of careful textual analysis continue to be relevant, although they are often integrated with other methods that acknowledge the importance of context and authorial intent.

Related terms

Formalism: A literary theory that prioritizes the form and structure of a text over its content or context, analyzing the techniques used by the author.

Close Reading: A careful and detailed analysis of a text, paying attention to its language, structure, and meaning to uncover deeper insights.

Intentional Fallacy: The idea that an author's intentions should not influence the interpretation of their work, as emphasized by New Critics.