New Criticism

Definition

New Criticism is a literary theory that emphasizes close reading and the analysis of texts without considering external factors such as the author's biography or historical context. This approach focuses on the text itself, its structure, imagery, language, and themes, allowing for an interpretation based solely on the content and form present within the work. By isolating the text from outside influences, New Criticism aims to uncover deeper meanings through careful examination.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism emerged in the early 20th century as a response to biographical and historical approaches to literature.
2. One key principle of New Criticism is the idea that a text should be considered an autonomous work of art, separate from the author's intentions.
3. The movement encourages readers to engage deeply with the language and techniques used in a work, often revealing multiple layers of meaning.
4. Critics like John Crowe Ransom and Cleanth Brooks were influential figures in promoting New Critical methods.
5. The rise of New Criticism led to a greater appreciation for poetry and its complexities, influencing how literature is taught and analyzed in academic settings.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism differ from biographical or historical approaches in literary analysis?
  • New Criticism differs from biographical or historical approaches by focusing solely on the text itself rather than considering external factors such as the author's life or the historical context in which it was written. While biographical approaches may analyze how an author’s experiences influence their work, New Criticism emphasizes close reading and examining the language, structure, and meaning within the text. This approach allows for interpretations that arise directly from the text's content without outside influence.
• Discuss how New Criticism's emphasis on textual evidence impacts the interpretation of subtext in dialogue.
  • New Criticism's emphasis on textual evidence plays a crucial role in interpreting subtext in dialogue by encouraging critics to closely examine the language and structure of conversations within a text. By focusing on word choice, tone, and context, critics can uncover layers of meaning that reveal underlying emotions or motivations not explicitly stated. This method enables readers to identify contradictions or ironies in dialogue that contribute to character development and thematic exploration.
• Evaluate the relevance of New Criticism in contemporary literary studies, especially regarding modern narrative techniques.
  • New Criticism remains relevant in contemporary literary studies by providing a foundational approach to analyzing texts through close reading. Its techniques are particularly valuable when examining modern narrative styles that often challenge traditional storytelling methods. For instance, authors may use unreliable narrators or fragmented narratives that require careful attention to language and structure to fully grasp their meaning. By focusing on the text itself, New Criticism allows readers to appreciate these complexities without being influenced by external contexts, leading to richer interpretations.

Related terms

Close Reading: A careful and detailed analysis of a text, focusing on its language, structure, and meaning to reveal its complexities.

Textual Evidence: Direct quotations or references from the text used to support interpretations and analyses in literary criticism.

Formalism: An approach in literary theory that prioritizes the formal elements of a text, such as structure, style, and language, over content or context.