key term - New Criticism

Definition

New Criticism is a literary theory that emphasizes close reading and analysis of the text itself, focusing on its language, structure, and meaning without considering external factors such as author intent or historical context. This approach aims to uncover the intrinsic qualities of a work, encouraging readers to engage with the text directly to find layers of meaning and aesthetic value. New Criticism became prominent in the early to mid-20th century, significantly influencing literary analysis and criticism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism prioritizes the text itself over outside influences like author biography, cultural context, or historical background, aiming for objectivity in literary analysis.
2. Key figures in New Criticism include scholars like John Crowe Ransom, Cleanth Brooks, and T.S. Eliot, who shaped the movement with their writings and critiques.
3. The movement gained traction during the 1940s and 1950s but began to decline in the late 20th century as new critical theories emerged, including post-structuralism and reader-response theory.
4. New Critics often focused on poetic forms, imagery, symbolism, and irony to derive deeper meanings from the text, fostering a rich analytical approach to literature.
5. The methodology of New Criticism can be applied to various literary works, including the short fiction of Melville and the poetry of Whitman and Dickinson, highlighting their complexity through close reading.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism enhance our understanding of Melville's short fiction and novellas?
  • New Criticism enhances our understanding of Melville's short fiction and novellas by emphasizing close reading techniques that reveal complex themes and structures within his narratives. By focusing on Melville's use of language, symbolism, and irony without considering external contexts such as his life or historical circumstances, readers can appreciate the intricate craftsmanship in his stories. This approach allows for a deeper exploration of Melville's exploration of existential themes and moral dilemmas that define his work.
• In what ways does New Criticism challenge traditional interpretations of Whitman and Dickinson's poetry?
  • New Criticism challenges traditional interpretations of Whitman and Dickinson's poetry by advocating for an analysis rooted solely in the text. This approach encourages readers to scrutinize their unique use of form, meter, and imagery without relying on biographical or historical contexts. By focusing on the language and structure within their poems, New Critics can uncover multiple layers of meaning that might be overlooked in more context-driven readings. This ultimately leads to a richer understanding of both poets' distinct voices and stylistic choices.
• Evaluate the impact of New Criticism on contemporary literary analysis, particularly regarding its relevance to Melville's works compared to other critical approaches.
  • New Criticism has significantly impacted contemporary literary analysis by establishing close reading as a foundational technique in studying texts. Its relevance to Melville's works lies in its ability to highlight the intricacies of his storytelling through careful examination of language and form. However, as new critical approaches have emerged—such as post-structuralism and cultural criticism—there has been a shift towards incorporating broader contexts into analysis. This evolution suggests that while New Criticism offers valuable insights into Melville's texts, it is essential to consider how integrating various perspectives can deepen our understanding of literature as a whole.

Related terms

Close Reading: A critical approach that involves an in-depth analysis of a text's language and structure to reveal its meanings and nuances.

Intentional Fallacy: The belief that an author's intended meaning or purpose should not be considered when interpreting a literary work.

Affective Fallacy: The idea that a reader's emotional response to a text should not be used as a basis for evaluating its literary quality.