New Criticism

Definition

New Criticism is a formalist approach to literary analysis that emerged in the early to mid-20th century, emphasizing close reading of texts without considering external factors like author intention or historical context. This method focuses on the structure, language, and meaning within the text itself, promoting an objective analysis of literary works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism gained prominence in the 1940s and 1950s, particularly through the works of critics like Cleanth Brooks and Robert Penn Warren.
2. This approach rejects biographical and historical contexts as relevant to the understanding of a literary work, insisting that meaning arises solely from the text.
3. New Critics often focus on literary devices such as imagery, symbolism, and irony to uncover deeper meanings within the text.
4. The movement contributed to the teaching of literature in schools, emphasizing analytical skills through structured readings.
5. New Criticism has faced criticism for neglecting social and cultural factors that shape literature, leading to the development of other critical approaches.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism differ from other literary theories in its approach to analyzing texts?
  • New Criticism is distinct because it emphasizes close reading and focuses exclusively on the text itself, ignoring authorial intent and historical context. Unlike other literary theories that might incorporate these external elements, New Criticism advocates for an objective analysis based purely on literary devices and textual structure. This approach allows readers to derive meanings directly from the words and forms present within the work.
• Discuss the significance of close reading in New Criticism and how it influences interpretations of literature.
  • Close reading is crucial to New Criticism as it allows for an in-depth exploration of a text's language, structure, and meaning. By analyzing specific passages and literary techniques such as metaphor, symbolism, and tone, readers can uncover layered meanings that may not be immediately apparent. This method fosters a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in writing while also encouraging readers to engage with literature on a more analytical level.
• Evaluate the impact of New Criticism on literary education and its relevance in contemporary literary studies.
  • New Criticism significantly shaped literary education by establishing methods for analytical reading that remain relevant today. Its focus on close reading developed students' critical thinking skills while fostering an appreciation for textual nuances. However, contemporary literary studies have evolved to include various approaches that recognize the importance of context and cultural influences alongside textual analysis. The legacy of New Criticism persists in educational settings but now often coexists with broader perspectives that address social and historical dimensions of literature.

Related terms

Close Reading: A careful and detailed analysis of a text that focuses on its language, structure, and meaning, often used as a key technique in New Criticism.

Formalism: A literary approach that prioritizes the form and structure of a text over its content or contextual influences, serving as a foundation for New Criticism.

Intentional Fallacy: The belief that one should not consider an author's intentions when interpreting a text, a key principle in New Criticism that encourages readers to focus solely on the text itself.