New Historicism

Definition

New Historicism is a literary theory that emerged in the late 20th century, focusing on the historical context of a text to understand its meaning. This approach emphasizes the interplay between literature and history, suggesting that literary works cannot be fully understood without considering the cultural, social, and political conditions of their time. It often seeks to reveal how power structures and historical events shape narratives, offering a richer interpretation of texts by situating them within their contemporary circumstances.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Historicism was popularized by literary critics like Stephen Greenblatt, who argued for the importance of understanding the historical moment in which a work was produced.
2. This approach often contrasts with traditional historicism, which tends to treat history as a linear progression rather than as a complex interplay of influences.
3. New Historicism emphasizes the role of power dynamics in shaping literature, exploring how texts respond to and critique the societal structures of their time.
4. It frequently incorporates analysis of non-literary documents from the same period, such as legal records, letters, and newspaper articles, to provide a fuller understanding of the historical context.
5. Through this lens, Mark Twain's works can be viewed as reflections of the social tensions surrounding issues like race and class in 19th-century America.

Review Questions

• How does New Historicism change the way we interpret Mark Twain's works compared to traditional literary criticism?
  • New Historicism alters our interpretation of Mark Twain's works by emphasizing the importance of the historical context in which they were written. Instead of viewing Twain's narratives as standalone texts, this approach encourages readers to consider the social, political, and cultural forces at play during the 19th century. For example, understanding the impact of slavery and racial tensions in America allows us to see deeper meanings in novels like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,' where Twain critiques societal norms through his characters' experiences.
• Discuss how New Historicism can reveal underlying power dynamics present in Twain's writing.
  • New Historicism reveals underlying power dynamics in Twain's writing by analyzing how his narratives engage with issues like class struggle and racial inequality. By situating his works within the context of 19th-century America, critics can uncover how Twain addresses and challenges societal hierarchies. For instance, his portrayal of Jim in 'Huckleberry Finn' serves not only as a character study but also as a commentary on the larger institution of slavery and the moral implications it carries within society.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of applying New Historicism to analyze Mark Twain's contributions to American literature.
  • Applying New Historicism to analyze Mark Twain's contributions has its strengths, such as providing a nuanced understanding of how his work interacts with historical events and social issues. This perspective highlights how Twain’s writing is not merely artistic expression but also a critique of contemporary realities. However, it can be limited by potentially overshadowing formal literary elements or personal intentions behind his works. A balanced analysis that incorporates both historical context and literary form is crucial for fully appreciating Twain’s contributions to American literature.

Related terms

Cultural Criticism: An approach to literature that examines how culture influences texts and the ways in which texts reflect and shape cultural values.

Intertextuality:

The relationship between texts and how they reference or echo each other, emphasizing that no text exists in isolation.

Historical Context: The moods, attitudes, and conditions that existed during the time a text was created, which can inform its themes and meanings.