Historical criticism

Definition

Historical criticism is a method of analyzing texts by placing them in their historical context, examining the author's background, cultural influences, and the time period in which the work was produced. This approach helps to uncover deeper meanings and understand the social, political, and religious dynamics that shaped the text, offering insight into its themes and messages.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Historical criticism provides insights into how societal norms and values influence literary works, allowing readers to better understand characters' motivations and actions.
2. This method is particularly useful for texts produced during periods of significant political or social upheaval, as it highlights how those events impact literature.
3. By studying an author's biography and historical background, critics can interpret the text more accurately and appreciate its intended messages.
4. Historical criticism often involves examining primary sources from the same period, such as letters, diaries, and government documents, to create a fuller picture of the context surrounding the text.
5. It allows for an appreciation of how literary conventions have evolved over time in response to changing historical circumstances.

Review Questions

• How does historical criticism enhance our understanding of character motivations in literary works?
  • Historical criticism enhances our understanding of character motivations by placing characters within the specific cultural and social contexts of their time. By examining factors such as class structure, religious beliefs, and political situations prevalent during the period in which a work was written, we gain insights into why characters behave as they do. For example, analyzing Sir Gawain's actions in 'Sir Gawain and the Green Knight' through a historical lens reveals how chivalric values influenced his choices.
• Discuss how historical criticism can be applied to Milton's 'Paradise Lost' to reveal deeper themes within the text.
  • Applying historical criticism to Milton's 'Paradise Lost' allows us to see how the political and religious tensions of 17th-century England shape its themes. The poem reflects Milton's views on authority, free will, and rebellion against tyranny. By understanding the impact of the English Civil War and Milton's own Puritan beliefs on his writing, we can better appreciate the complexities within his portrayal of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace and its implications for human nature.
• Evaluate the role of historical criticism in understanding John Lyly's 'Euphues' and its influence on Renaissance literature.
  • Evaluating historical criticism in understanding John Lyly's 'Euphues' reveals its significant impact on Renaissance literature by situating it within the context of Elizabethan culture. The novel not only reflects contemporary ideas about courtly love and manners but also critiques societal norms regarding gender roles. Through this lens, one can see how 'Euphues' paved the way for later literary developments by popularizing prose styles that prioritized moral instruction and elaborate dialogue, influencing works that followed it during this vibrant period of English literature.

Related terms

Textual criticism: A scholarly discipline that focuses on the identification and correction of errors in texts, often by comparing various manuscript versions.

Cultural criticism: An analysis of cultural artifacts through the lens of societal issues, including race, class, gender, and ideology.

New Historicism:

An approach to literary criticism that emphasizes the interplay between literature and history, asserting that literary texts are a reflection of the historical conditions from which they emerge.