New Criticism

Definition

New Criticism is a formalist approach to literary analysis that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on the text itself as the primary source of meaning, rather than external factors such as author biography or historical context. This method emphasizes close reading and careful examination of the language, structure, and themes within a work, promoting the idea that a text should be interpreted independently from outside influences. It plays a significant role in understanding poetry and prose from various eras, including the works of key figures like Coleridge and the innovations in poetic forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism gained popularity in the mid-20th century, with key proponents including Cleanth Brooks and John Crowe Ransom.
2. This approach argues that literary texts have their own intrinsic meaning and should be analyzed without considering authorial intent or historical context.
3. New Critics emphasize the importance of paradox, ambiguity, and tension within texts as essential components of literary meaning.
4. Coleridge's exploration of imagination and creativity can be seen through the lens of New Criticism, where his poetic techniques invite detailed textual analysis.
5. The rise of New Criticism influenced how poetry was taught and studied in educational settings, encouraging students to focus on the text rather than authorial background.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism change the way we interpret Coleridge's poetry compared to other approaches?
  • New Criticism shifts the focus from Coleridge's life experiences or historical background to an in-depth analysis of his poems themselves. This approach highlights the formal elements of his work, such as structure, imagery, and language, allowing readers to uncover layers of meaning directly from the text. By concentrating on how these components interact, New Criticism reveals Coleridge’s use of paradox and tension as essential features that contribute to the richness of his poetry.
• Discuss the significance of close reading in New Criticism and its impact on poetic innovations during this period.
  • Close reading is a central practice within New Criticism that encourages readers to engage deeply with texts. This method allows for the discovery of subtle nuances in language and form that reflect the innovative nature of poetry from this era. As poets experimented with new structures and styles, close reading enabled critics and readers alike to appreciate these advancements by examining how specific choices contribute to overall meaning and emotional resonance.
• Evaluate the limitations of New Criticism when analyzing literary works from late-17th to mid-19th century contexts.
  • While New Criticism offers valuable insights through its focus on text, it often overlooks important contextual elements such as historical circumstances, authorial intent, and cultural influences that shape a work's meaning. For example, understanding Coleridge's views on imagination requires consideration of Romantic ideals and philosophical movements prevalent during his time. Ignoring these factors can lead to an incomplete interpretation, suggesting that while New Criticism has merit, it should be supplemented with other critical approaches for a fuller appreciation of literary works.

Related terms

Close Reading: A careful and detailed analysis of a text to uncover its meaning, structure, and linguistic features, integral to New Criticism.

Textual Analysis: The method of examining and interpreting the text itself, often without reference to external factors, aligning closely with New Criticism principles.

Formalist Criticism: An approach to literary criticism that focuses on the form and structure of a text, examining how its elements work together to create meaning.