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🧿intro to literary theory review

The well wrought urn

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

The well wrought urn is a concept associated with New Criticism, representing a literary work that is a carefully crafted artifact, emphasizing form and structure over authorial intent and historical context. This term highlights the idea that a poem or text should be analyzed as a self-contained unit, where meaning arises from its internal elements like imagery, symbolism, and sound, rather than from external factors such as the author’s biography or the cultural context in which it was created.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. The phrase 'the well wrought urn' was popularized by Cleanth Brooks in his 1947 book 'The Well Wrought Urn: Studies in the Structure of Poetry', which explores the relationship between form and meaning in poetry.
  2. In New Criticism, the well wrought urn symbolizes the notion that a literary work should be appreciated for its craftsmanship and aesthetic qualities rather than for its historical or biographical context.
  3. This concept encourages readers to focus on how elements like metaphor, imagery, and sound contribute to the overall unity and meaning of a poem.
  4. The well wrought urn serves as a critique of interpretations that seek to impose external narratives onto a text, reinforcing the idea that meaning is derived from the text itself.
  5. By emphasizing the self-sufficiency of literary works, the well wrought urn has had a lasting impact on literary analysis, influencing not only New Critics but also subsequent generations of readers and scholars.

Review Questions

  • How does the concept of the well wrought urn shape our understanding of literary analysis within New Criticism?
    • The concept of the well wrought urn shapes our understanding of literary analysis within New Criticism by prioritizing the text itself as the primary source of meaning. This approach encourages readers to engage closely with the language, structure, and various elements of a work without considering external influences like historical context or authorial intention. By doing so, it fosters a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved in crafting literature and reinforces the notion that each work functions as a self-contained entity.
  • Discuss how Cleanth Brooks' use of 'the well wrought urn' critiques traditional literary criticism methods.
    • 'The well wrought urn' critiques traditional literary criticism methods by challenging the reliance on authorial intent and biographical context to derive meaning. Brooks argues that such approaches can lead to misinterpretations that overlook the internal coherence and artistry of a text. By focusing solely on what is present within the work itself—its imagery, structure, and sound—Brooks advocates for a more rigorous and nuanced analysis that reveals deeper meanings inherent in poetry and literature.
  • Evaluate how the concept of the well wrought urn has influenced modern literary criticism beyond New Criticism.
    • The concept of the well wrought urn has influenced modern literary criticism by establishing a framework for analyzing texts that continues to resonate today. While some contemporary critics incorporate post-structuralist views or cultural contexts into their analyses, the emphasis on close reading and textual integrity remains foundational. This idea serves as a counterpoint to theories that prioritize external factors, reminding scholars and readers alike of the value found in appreciating literature for its own sake and recognizing that complex meanings can arise solely from how words are artfully arranged.