New Historicism

Definition

New Historicism is a literary theory that emphasizes the historical context in which a work of literature is created, arguing that literature and history are interconnected. It focuses on how cultural, social, and political factors of a specific time influence literary texts, and in turn, how those texts reflect or shape historical narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Historicism emerged in the 1980s as a reaction against traditional historicism, which viewed literature as a reflection of historical events without considering the complexities of cultural exchange.
2. The approach is often associated with scholars like Stephen Greenblatt, who emphasized the importance of examining both literary texts and historical documents to understand their interrelation.
3. New Historicists argue that all literary works are products of their time, shaped by the social and political pressures present during their creation.
4. This theory promotes the idea that literature can serve as a tool for understanding historical ideologies and power dynamics, revealing the tensions within societies at specific moments.
5. By analyzing works through the lens of New Historicism, readers can gain insights into how literature influences and is influenced by cultural movements, challenging the notion of a single, authoritative interpretation.

Review Questions

• How does New Historicism alter the way we understand the relationship between literature and historical events?
  • New Historicism shifts our perspective by emphasizing that literature does not merely reflect historical events; it interacts with them. It suggests that literary texts are shaped by their social, cultural, and political contexts while simultaneously influencing those very contexts. This reciprocal relationship allows readers to see literature as an active participant in history rather than a passive reflection.
• In what ways can New Historicism provide deeper insights into the themes presented in Shakespeare's plays?
  • By applying New Historicism to Shakespeare's plays, we can uncover how the political climate of Elizabethan England influenced his works. For instance, issues such as power struggles, gender roles, and social hierarchies are reflected in his characters and plots. This approach allows us to explore how Shakespeare engaged with contemporary concerns and how his writings contributed to the cultural discourse of his time.
• Evaluate the impact of New Historicism on our interpretation of Edmund Spenser's 'The Faerie Queene' and its representation of Elizabethan society.
  • Using New Historicism to analyze 'The Faerie Queene' reveals much about Elizabethan ideals such as chivalry, virtue, and national identity. It encourages us to consider Spenser's work not only as an artistic expression but also as a response to the sociopolitical climate of his era. This analysis helps us see how Spenser's depiction of knights and their quests reflects contemporary values while also critiquing them, making it clear that literature is both influenced by and influences historical narratives.

Related terms

Cultural Criticism: An approach that examines cultural artifacts, including literature, within their social and political contexts to uncover the underlying ideologies and power structures.

Intertextuality: The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence one another, showing that all texts are part of a broader cultural discourse.

Historical Context: The backdrop of events, cultural norms, and societal values from the time period in which a text is written, crucial for understanding its meaning and significance.