John Crowe Ransom

Definition

John Crowe Ransom was a prominent American poet, critic, and teacher known for his role as a leading figure in the New Criticism movement. His work emphasized close reading and the intrinsic qualities of the text, arguing that a poem should be analyzed as a self-contained entity, separate from its author’s biography or historical context. Ransom's theories and writings helped shape the practices of literary criticism in the early to mid-20th century.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ransom is considered one of the founders of the New Criticism movement, alongside figures like Cleanth Brooks and Allen Tate.
2. He emphasized the importance of ambiguity in poetry, suggesting that multiple meanings can coexist within a single text.
3. Ransom's most famous poem, 'Bells for John Whiteside's Daughter,' reflects his intricate use of language and form that aligns with New Critical principles.
4. He taught at institutions such as Vanderbilt University and the University of North Carolina, influencing generations of writers and critics.
5. Ransom also wrote essays on literary theory, where he argued against the relevance of authorial intent in interpreting literature.

Review Questions

• How did John Crowe Ransom's approach to poetry reflect the principles of New Criticism?
  • Ransom's approach to poetry emphasized close reading, focusing on the text as an independent work rather than considering external factors like authorial intent or historical context. His belief that poetry should be analyzed for its formal qualities and ambiguity aligns with New Critical principles. This focus allows readers to engage deeply with the text itself, uncovering layers of meaning that contribute to a richer understanding of its significance.
• Discuss the impact of Ransom’s contributions to literary criticism on contemporary approaches to poetry analysis.
  • Ransom's contributions to literary criticism, particularly through his advocacy for New Criticism, have significantly influenced contemporary approaches to poetry analysis. By prioritizing close reading and the inherent qualities of the text, Ransom established a framework that continues to inform literary studies today. His ideas encourage readers to focus on language, structure, and form rather than external influences, fostering a deeper appreciation for the complexities within poetic works.
• Evaluate how Ransom’s dual role as a poet and critic enriched his perspectives on literary theory.
  • John Crowe Ransom's dual role as both a poet and critic allowed him to bring a unique perspective to literary theory. His firsthand experience in writing poetry informed his critical insights, making him particularly attuned to the nuances of poetic form and language. This combination enabled Ransom to advocate for a rigorous analysis of texts while also creating his own works that exemplified his critical principles. As a result, he effectively bridged the gap between theory and practice, enriching both fields with his contributions.

Related terms

New Criticism:

A literary theory that emphasizes close reading and the analysis of the text itself, focusing on its structure, language, and meaning while ignoring external factors like authorial intent and historical context.

Formalism:

A critical approach that prioritizes form and structure in literature over content or thematic interpretation, often associated with Russian formalists and American New Critics.

The Southern Review: A literary magazine co-founded by Ransom in 1935 that became an important platform for Southern writers and critical thought during the New Criticism movement.