New Criticism

Definition

New Criticism is a formalist approach to literary analysis that emphasizes close reading and the text itself, rather than considering external factors like author intention or historical context. This method prioritizes the structure, language, and meaning contained within the text, viewing it as a self-contained object. New Criticism insists on analyzing elements like imagery, symbolism, and paradox, which can often lead to a deeper understanding of the work's intrinsic qualities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a reaction against biographical and historical approaches to literature.
2. It was heavily influenced by the works of critics like T.S. Eliot and I.A. Richards, who emphasized the importance of form and texture in literary works.
3. This approach has been foundational in teaching literature in academic settings, promoting skills like analytical thinking and textual analysis.
4. New Critics often sought to discover 'the unity of effect' in a text, where all elements work together harmoniously to create a specific emotional response.
5. While New Criticism has been critiqued for ignoring context and authorial intent, it paved the way for later literary theories such as Structuralism and Post-Structuralism.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism differ from other literary approaches in terms of analyzing a text?
  • New Criticism distinguishes itself by focusing solely on the text itself, avoiding outside influences such as the author's biography or historical context. This approach encourages readers to engage in close reading to uncover the layers of meaning within the text, emphasizing how its formal elements contribute to overall interpretation. Other approaches may consider external factors that can influence understanding, but New Criticism maintains that the text should be seen as an autonomous entity.
• What are the implications of the concepts 'intentional fallacy' and 'affective fallacy' within New Criticism?
  • The intentional fallacy suggests that an author's intentions should not factor into the interpretation of their work because meaning is derived from the text itself. Similarly, the affective fallacy argues against using emotional responses as a basis for interpreting literature. Both concepts emphasize that critical analysis should be rooted in the text's structure and language rather than personal feelings or assumptions about the author's objectives. These ideas reinforce New Criticism's commitment to examining texts independently of external influences.
• Evaluate the legacy of New Criticism and its influence on contemporary literary theory and education.
  • New Criticism has left a significant legacy in literary theory and education by establishing close reading as a fundamental practice in analyzing texts. Its insistence on textual autonomy paved the way for various schools of thought, including Structuralism and Post-Structuralism, which further developed methods for exploring language and meaning. In educational contexts, New Criticism has shaped curricula by promoting critical thinking skills and fostering an appreciation for literary craftsmanship. Despite critiques regarding its limitations, its focus on the text continues to inform literary analysis today.

Related terms

Close Reading: A critical approach that involves careful, detailed analysis of a text, focusing on its language, structure, and meaning to uncover deeper insights.

Intentional Fallacy: A concept in New Criticism that argues against considering an author's intention when interpreting a text, asserting that meaning lies solely within the work itself.

Affective Fallacy: A term in New Criticism that suggests one should not rely on emotional responses or feelings derived from reading a text as a basis for its interpretation.