American New Criticism

Definition

American New Criticism is a literary theory that emerged in the mid-20th century, emphasizing close reading and the analysis of the text itself, rather than external factors such as authorial intent or historical context. This approach prioritizes the intrinsic elements of a literary work, including structure, imagery, and symbolism, to uncover meaning and aesthetic value. It stands in contrast to other critical approaches that may consider outside influences on literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. American New Criticism gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s as a reaction against biographical and historical approaches to literature.
2. Key figures in American New Criticism include scholars like Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren, who advocated for the importance of textual analysis.
3. The movement was influential in shaping literary education, particularly in American universities, by promoting close reading techniques in classrooms.
4. New Critics often argued against the notion of 'intentional fallacy', suggesting that understanding an author's intention is irrelevant to interpreting their work.
5. The focus on the text itself led to a greater appreciation for poetry and its formal elements, positioning it as distinct from prose and other literary forms.

Review Questions

• How does American New Criticism define the role of textual analysis in understanding literature?
  • American New Criticism defines textual analysis as essential for understanding literature by focusing solely on the text itself. This approach emphasizes close reading, where readers examine elements like language, structure, and symbolism without considering outside factors like authorial intent or historical context. By prioritizing the intrinsic qualities of a work, New Criticism encourages a deeper engagement with the text's meaning and aesthetic value.
• Discuss the significance of key concepts such as 'intentional fallacy' within American New Criticism.
  • The concept of 'intentional fallacy' holds significant importance within American New Criticism as it argues that an author's intentions should not influence how a text is interpreted. This idea suggests that readers must focus on the text itself to derive meaning, rather than relying on external information about the author's life or beliefs. By promoting this perspective, New Critics seek to elevate the analysis of literature as an independent art form, separate from authorial influence.
• Evaluate how American New Criticism has impacted modern literary studies and education.
  • American New Criticism has profoundly impacted modern literary studies and education by establishing close reading as a fundamental practice in analyzing texts. This method fosters critical thinking skills and encourages students to engage deeply with literature. However, its emphasis on textual autonomy has also sparked debates about the relevance of historical and cultural contexts in literary interpretation. As a result, while New Criticism laid groundwork for formalist approaches, it also prompted new critical theories that incorporate diverse perspectives beyond the text itself.

Related terms

Close Reading: A careful and detailed analysis of a text, focusing on its language, structure, and meaning without considering external contexts.

Formalism: A critical approach that emphasizes the form and structure of a literary work over its content or social context, closely related to New Criticism.

Intentional Fallacy: The idea that a reader should not consider an author's intentions or biographical details when interpreting a text, which is a central tenet of New Criticism.