New Historicism is a literary theory that emerged in the late 20th century, emphasizing the importance of historical context and the interplay between literature and the cultural, social, and political circumstances of its time. This approach focuses on understanding how texts reflect and shape the beliefs, values, and power structures of their specific historical moments.
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New Historicism arose as a reaction to traditional historicism by emphasizing that historical accounts are often subjective and influenced by power dynamics.
This approach encourages reading literary texts alongside historical documents, such as legal records or political writings, to gain a deeper understanding of the era.
New Historicists view literature not only as a reflection of history but also as an active participant in shaping societal norms and values.
John Donne's poetry and Andrew Marvell's works can be analyzed through New Historicism to see how they reflect the religious and political tensions of their time, especially during the English Civil War.
George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' can be examined through this lens to explore themes of social mobility, capitalism, and moral values in the emerging bourgeois society of the 18th century.
Review Questions
How does New Historicism change our understanding of John Donne's work compared to traditional literary analysis?
New Historicism shifts the focus from viewing John Donne's poetry purely through its themes or aesthetics to understanding how his work reflects and responds to the social, political, and religious upheavals of his time. By placing his writing in the context of events like the English Civil War and shifts in religious thought, we see how his metaphysical style interacts with contemporary issues like faith, authority, and identity. This approach reveals deeper layers in Donne's poetry that might be overlooked when considered solely for its literary merit.
In what ways does George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' embody New Historicist principles in its portrayal of characters and societal norms?
George Lillo's 'The London Merchant' illustrates New Historicist principles by presenting characters whose actions are deeply intertwined with the socio-economic conditions of 18th-century England. The play highlights issues such as class struggle, the rise of capitalism, and moral dilemmas faced by individuals in a changing society. By analyzing these characters in relation to their historical context, we understand how Lillo's work critiques and reflects the values of bourgeois society during that period.
Evaluate how New Historicism can offer insights into the cultural tensions present in both Metaphysical poetry and bourgeois tragedy.
New Historicism provides a framework for examining how both Metaphysical poetry and bourgeois tragedy engage with the cultural tensions of their respective times. In Metaphysical poetry, poets like Donne and Marvell grapple with themes of love and faith against a backdrop of political strife and religious conflict. Similarly, Lillo's 'The London Merchant' addresses moral questions amid economic changes that challenge traditional values. By recognizing these tensions, we gain insight into how literature not only reflects societal conditions but also serves as a commentary on them, ultimately revealing complex interactions between art and history.
Related terms
Cultural Materialism: A critical approach that examines literature as a product of the cultural and material conditions of its time, often associated with Marxist theory.
Historicism: The belief that historical context is essential for understanding literary works, focusing on the time period in which a text was created.
The relationship between texts and how they reference or influence each other, highlighting the interconnectedness of literary works across different contexts.