New Criticism

Definition

New Criticism is a formalist approach to literary analysis that emphasizes close reading and the text itself, rather than external factors such as authorial intent, historical context, or reader response. This method encourages readers to focus on the language, structure, and meaning found within the work, allowing for a deeper understanding of its themes and artistry. It aims to treat literature as an autonomous object worthy of analysis based solely on its content and form.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Criticism emerged in the early 20th century as a response against biographical and historical approaches to literature.
2. John Donne's poetry exemplifies New Criticism as it invites readers to analyze complex metaphors and intricate structures that reveal spiritual and secular themes.
3. T.S. Eliot’s poetry is often scrutinized through New Criticism for its dense imagery and allusions, encouraging readers to find meaning strictly from the text without considering Eliot's personal beliefs.
4. New Critics often emphasize the paradoxes and tensions within a text, which can be seen in both Donne's exploration of sacred and profane love and Eliot's treatment of religion and modernity.
5. The New Critical approach gained prominence in academic circles during the mid-20th century but has since faced criticism for neglecting the influence of context and authorial intention.

Review Questions

• How does New Criticism enhance our understanding of John Donne's poetry by focusing on its language and structure?
  • New Criticism allows readers to appreciate the intricate language and structural complexity found in John Donne's poetry. By emphasizing close reading, critics can uncover the layers of meaning embedded in Donne's metaphysical conceits and varied forms. This method reveals how Donne intertwines sacred themes with profane experiences, providing insights into his exploration of love, spirituality, and existential questions without being distracted by historical context or author biography.
• In what ways does New Criticism apply to T.S. Eliot's work, particularly regarding its religious themes?
  • Applying New Criticism to T.S. Eliot's poetry highlights the significance of its religious themes as constructed through language, imagery, and structure. By focusing solely on the text, critics can analyze how Eliot uses fragmented narratives and rich symbolism to express his grappling with faith and modernity. This approach allows for a nuanced interpretation of works like 'The Waste Land' where religious allusions interact with contemporary disillusionment, emphasizing the poem's complexity.
• Evaluate the impact of New Criticism on contemporary literary analysis and its relevance to understanding John Donne and T.S. Eliot.
  • New Criticism has significantly shaped contemporary literary analysis by encouraging a focus on textual integrity and artistry, influencing how readers engage with works by John Donne and T.S. Eliot. Its insistence on close reading fosters a deeper appreciation for poetic form and technique while prompting readers to derive meaning directly from the text. Despite critiques for overlooking contextual factors, New Criticism remains relevant as it champions an analytical rigor that can unveil profound insights within complex works.

Related terms

Close Reading: A method of literary analysis that involves a careful and detailed examination of the text to uncover deeper meanings, themes, and structures.

Formalism: An approach in literary criticism that focuses on the form and structure of a work, analyzing elements such as language, style, and structure while often disregarding context and authorial intent.

Textual Analysis: The practice of interpreting and analyzing the text itself to understand its meanings, symbols, and themes without considering external influences.