New Criticism

Definition

New Criticism is a formalist approach to literary analysis that emphasizes close reading of the text itself, focusing on its structure, language, and meaning without considering external factors such as author intent or historical context. This method prioritizes the text's inherent qualities, encouraging readers to engage with the work on its own terms, making it particularly relevant for analyzing Renaissance literature, where language and form play critical roles in conveying themes and ideas.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism emerged in the early to mid-20th century and became prominent in American literary studies during this period.
2. Key figures in New Criticism include Cleanth Brooks, John Crowe Ransom, and Robert Penn Warren, who emphasized the importance of examining the text itself.
3. The approach rejects biographical or historical analysis, arguing that a text should be understood solely through its language and structure.
4. In the context of Renaissance literature, New Criticism allows for a deep exploration of poetic devices such as metaphor, symbolism, and meter.
5. Critics of New Criticism argue that it oversimplifies the complexity of texts by ignoring broader cultural and historical contexts.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism differ from other literary theories in its approach to understanding texts?
  • New Criticism stands apart from other literary theories by focusing exclusively on the text itself and advocating for close reading. Unlike biographical or historical approaches that consider an author's background or societal influences, New Criticism emphasizes understanding a work through its language, structure, and intrinsic meaning. This method allows readers to appreciate the artistry within Renaissance literature without outside distractions.
• Discuss the significance of close reading in New Criticism and how it applies to Renaissance literature.
  • Close reading is central to New Criticism as it encourages detailed examination of a text's language and structure. In Renaissance literature, this technique helps uncover intricate poetic devices and thematic elements that are often embedded within the works. By applying close reading, scholars can reveal how poets like John Donne or Edmund Spenser utilize imagery and metaphor to express complex ideas about love, faith, and society.
• Evaluate the limitations of New Criticism when analyzing Renaissance literature in comparison to more contextual approaches.
  • While New Criticism provides valuable insights through its emphasis on textual analysis, it has notable limitations when applied to Renaissance literature. This approach often overlooks the rich historical and cultural contexts that influence the texts. For instance, understanding the socio-political climate of the Renaissance can enrich interpretations of works by Shakespeare or Marlowe. Consequently, critics argue that combining New Criticism with contextual approaches can lead to a more holistic understanding of literature from this vibrant period.

Related terms

Close Reading: A critical approach that involves analyzing a text in detail to uncover layers of meaning, language choices, and structural elements.

Formalist Criticism: A literary theory that focuses on the form and technical aspects of a text rather than its content or social context.

Imagery:

Descriptive language used to create visual representations of ideas and concepts in literature, significant for New Criticism's focus on textual analysis.