Historical criticism

Definition

Historical criticism is a literary analysis approach that examines a text within its historical context to understand its meaning and significance. This method considers the author's background, societal influences, and the historical events of the time to shed light on the text's themes, characters, and motives. It aims to unveil how the specific time period impacts the creation and interpretation of literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Historical criticism emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries as scholars began to prioritize the context of a work over purely formal analysis.
2. Mark Twain's works often reflect his critiques of American society and racism, making historical criticism essential for understanding his narratives.
3. Henry James' focus on psychology and social dynamics can be better understood through historical criticism, which highlights the societal shifts during his time.
4. Edith Wharton's portrayal of class struggles and women's roles in society resonates deeply with historical criticism, revealing the constraints of her era.
5. This analytical approach can uncover how specific historical events, such as the Civil War or the Gilded Age, shaped literary themes and character development in American realism.

Review Questions

• How does historical criticism enhance our understanding of Mark Twain's portrayal of race in his works?
  • Historical criticism helps us understand Mark Twain's portrayal of race by placing his writings within the context of 19th-century American society, which was rife with racial tension and inequality. By examining Twain's background and experiences, we see how these factors influenced his critiques of racism, particularly in works like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn'. This approach reveals not just literary techniques but also exposes deeper social commentaries that reflect the time period's struggles.
• Discuss how historical criticism can illuminate Edith Wharton's exploration of social class in her novels.
  • Historical criticism provides valuable insights into Edith Wharton's exploration of social class by examining the late 19th and early 20th-century American society she was writing in. By analyzing Wharton's life experiences among wealthy social circles, critics can see how her depictions of characters navigating class boundaries serve as a critique of societal norms. This method highlights how her works reflect real historical tensions between different social classes during a time of economic change and transformation.
• Evaluate the role that historical criticism plays in understanding the evolution of themes in American realism as represented by Twain, James, and Wharton.
  • Historical criticism plays a crucial role in understanding the evolution of themes in American realism by situating the works of Twain, James, and Wharton within their distinct historical contexts. For example, Twain's satirical take on society reveals insights into pre-Civil War America, while James' focus on individual psychology reflects changes in urbanization and class dynamics. Wharton's exploration of women's roles corresponds with shifts in gender expectations during her time. By evaluating these authors through historical criticism, we can appreciate how their literary contributions not only reflect but also critique the realities of their respective eras.

Related terms

Textual criticism: A discipline that involves the analysis and comparison of various texts to determine their original form and understand changes made over time.

Cultural criticism: An approach that focuses on the cultural contexts surrounding a work, examining how societal values and beliefs influence both the creation and reception of literature.

New Historicism: A method of literary criticism that suggests literature should be understood in relation to the history and culture in which it is produced, emphasizing the interplay between text and context.