New Historicism

Definition

New historicism is a literary theory that emerged in the late 20th century, focusing on understanding literature within its historical and cultural contexts. This approach argues that literary works cannot be separated from the conditions of their time, emphasizing the interplay between text and the socio-political factors surrounding its creation and reception.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New historicism contrasts with traditional historicism by emphasizing the role of power dynamics and cultural discourse in shaping literature, rather than viewing texts as mere reflections of historical facts.
2. This approach often looks at marginalized voices and perspectives that are usually overlooked in mainstream narratives, shedding light on underrepresented experiences in literature.
3. Critics using new historicism may analyze how a literary work interacts with contemporary events or social issues at the time of its writing, providing deeper insight into its themes.
4. New historicists often use primary historical documents alongside literary texts to illuminate the socio-political context that influenced the creation of those works.
5. Prominent figures in new historicism include Stephen Greenblatt, who argued for the importance of viewing literature as part of the larger cultural and historical fabric.

Review Questions

• How does new historicism differ from traditional approaches to understanding literature?
  • New historicism differs from traditional approaches by not simply treating literature as a reflection of historical facts or events. Instead, it emphasizes the complex relationship between texts and their socio-political contexts, focusing on how power dynamics influence literary creation and interpretation. This method also highlights marginalized perspectives that traditional analyses might ignore, creating a richer understanding of both literature and history.
• In what ways does new historicism challenge established narratives within early American literature?
  • New historicism challenges established narratives within early American literature by questioning dominant historical accounts and examining how power relations shape both texts and their meanings. By focusing on diverse voices and experiences—such as those of women, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved individuals—new historicism uncovers the complexity of early American society. This approach reveals how literary works both reflect and resist prevailing ideologies of their time, providing a more nuanced view of early American life.
• Evaluate the impact of new historicism on our understanding of a specific early American novel and its historical context.
  • Evaluating the impact of new historicism on our understanding of a specific early American novel, such as 'The Scarlet Letter' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, reveals significant insights into its portrayal of Puritan society. By analyzing historical documents alongside the text, new historicist critics can illustrate how societal norms regarding sin, guilt, and identity were shaped by contemporary religious and political climates. This perspective not only enriches our interpretation of Hawthorne's themes but also situates the novel within broader discussions about morality and societal constraints in 17th-century New England.

Related terms

Cultural Criticism: A method of analysis that examines cultural artifacts, including literature, through the lens of social power, ideology, and historical context.

Intertextuality:

The relationship between texts and how they influence each other, often considered in the context of their cultural and historical backgrounds.

Historical Context:

The social, political, economic, and cultural environment in which a literary work is created and received, shaping its meaning and significance.