The Comprehensive Guide to New Criticism: Key Thinkers and Core Concepts
Outline of the Article
- Introduction to New Criticism
- Definition of New Criticism
- Historical Context and Emergence
- Importance in Literary Theory
- Foundational Concepts of New Criticism
- The Text as an Autonomous Entity
- Focus on the “Close Reading” Technique
- Objective Correlative and Its Role
- Intentional Fallacy: Authorial Intent Is Irrelevant
- Affective Fallacy: Reader’s Emotional Response Is Secondary
- Key Thinkers in New Criticism
- I.A. Richards: Pioneer of Practical Criticism
- T.S. Eliot: Influence and Contribution
- Cleanth Brooks: The Well-Wrought Urn and Unity of the Text
- W.K. Wimsatt: Intentional and Affective Fallacies
- John Crowe Ransom: Founding Figure and The New Criticism
- Robert Penn Warren: Expanding the Horizons of New Criticism
- Key Concepts in New Criticism
- Close Reading: Analyzing the Text’s Language and Structure
- Paradox, Irony, and Ambiguity: Tools of Analysis
- Unity and Organic Whole: The Text as a Coherent Entity
- Imagery and Symbolism: Central to Meaning-Making
- Form and Content: Interdependence in Literary Analysis
- Impact of New Criticism on Literary Studies
- Influence on Literary Curricula
- Resistance to Biographical and Historical Criticism
- Contribution to Modern Literary Theory
- Criticisms and Limitations of New Criticism
- Overemphasis on Textual Autonomy
- Ignoring Historical and Cultural Contexts
- Critiques from Structuralists, Marxists, and Post-Structuralists
- The Legacy of New Criticism
- Continued Relevance in Literary Studies
- Influence on Contemporary Criticism
- Integration into Modern Analytical Methods
- Conclusion
- Summary of New Criticism’s Contributions
- Reflection on Its Enduring Influence
- FAQs
- What Is the Main Idea of New Criticism?
- How Does New Criticism Differ from Other Literary Theories?
- Why Is Close Reading Important in New Criticism?
- Who Are the Major Figures Associated with New Criticism?
- What Are the Limitations of New Criticism?
Introduction to New Criticism
New Criticism is a literary theory and approach to textual analysis that emerged in the early 20th century. This school of thought revolutionized literary criticism by insisting on the analysis of the text itself, independent of external influences such as the author’s biography, historical context, or the reader’s emotional response. New Criticism views the literary text as a self-contained, autonomous entity with meaning derived from its formal elements and internal structure.
Historical Context and Emergence
New Criticism originated in the United States and England during the 1920s and 1930s, a period marked by a shift away from traditional approaches to literary analysis that emphasized the author’s intention or historical background. This movement was partly a reaction against biographical and historical criticism, which New Critics saw as limiting the interpretation of literature. By focusing exclusively on the text, New Criticism sought to uncover the inherent meaning within the work itself.
Importance in Literary Theory
The New Criticism approach has had a lasting impact on literary theory and pedagogy. It championed the technique of “close reading,” a method that emphasizes detailed and careful analysis of a text’s language, structure, and meaning. This focus on the intrinsic elements of the text set the stage for later developments in literary theory and continues to influence how literature is taught and studied.
Foundational Concepts of New Criticism
The Text as an Autonomous Entity
One of the central tenets of New Criticism is the belief that a literary text is an autonomous entity, independent of the author’s intentions, the reader’s emotional response, or the historical context in which it was created. New Critics argue that the text itself contains all the elements necessary for its interpretation, and external factors should not influence the analysis.
Focus on the “Close Reading” Technique
“Close reading” is a key method in New Criticism, where the text is analyzed in great detail, focusing on its formal elements such as language, structure, imagery, and symbolism. This method allows critics to uncover the underlying meaning and thematic unity of the text.
Objective Correlative and Its Role
The concept of the “objective correlative,” popularized by T.S. Eliot, refers to a set of objects, situations, or events that evoke a particular emotion in the reader, independent of the author’s intent. This concept aligns with New Criticism’s focus on the text itself rather than the author’s intentions.
Intentional Fallacy: Authorial Intent Is Irrelevant
The idea of the “intentional fallacy” argues that a critic should not attempt to interpret a text based on the author’s intentions. Instead, the meaning should be derived from the text itself. This concept was introduced by W.K. Wimsatt and Monroe Beardsley in their influential essay “The Intentional Fallacy.”
Affective Fallacy: Reader’s Emotional Response Is Secondary
Similarly, the “affective fallacy” suggests that a reader’s emotional response to a text is not a valid basis for its interpretation. Instead, the analysis should focus on the formal elements and internal structure of the text, ensuring an objective critique.
Key Thinkers in New Criticism
I.A. Richards: Pioneer of Practical Criticism
I.A. Richards is often credited with laying the groundwork for New Criticism through his development of “practical criticism,” a method of textual analysis that emphasizes the importance of close reading. His work, particularly in “Principles of Literary Criticism” and “Practical Criticism,” helped shape the New Criticism movement by advocating for an objective approach to literary analysis.
T.S. Eliot: Influence and Contribution
T.S. Eliot, a poet and critic, played a significant role in the development of New Criticism. His essay “Tradition and the Individual Talent” introduced ideas that became central to New Criticism, such as the importance of the text’s relationship to the literary tradition and the concept of the “objective correlative.”
Cleanth Brooks: The Well-Wrought Urn and Unity of the Text
Cleanth Brooks is one of the most prominent figures associated with New Criticism. His book “The Well-Wrought Urn” is a seminal work in the field, emphasizing the importance of paradox, irony, and the unity of the text. Brooks argued that a literary work should be viewed as an organic whole, with each element contributing to its overall meaning.
W.K. Wimsatt: Intentional and Affective Fallacies
W.K. Wimsatt, along with Monroe Beardsley, introduced the concepts of the intentional and affective fallacies, which became foundational ideas in New Criticism. These concepts reinforced the idea that the meaning of a text should be derived from its formal elements rather than external factors like authorial intent or reader response.
John Crowe Ransom: Founding Figure and The New Criticism
John Crowe Ransom is often regarded as one of the founding figures of New Criticism. His essay “The New Criticism” provided the movement with its name and laid out the principles that would guide its development. Ransom emphasized the importance of focusing on the text itself, advocating for a more scientific approach to literary analysis.
Robert Penn Warren: Expanding the Horizons of New Criticism
Robert Penn Warren, a poet and critic, contributed to the expansion of New Criticism through his work on literary analysis and his collaboration with other New Critics. Warren’s emphasis on the formal elements of the text and his advocacy for close reading helped solidify the principles of New Criticism in literary studies.
Key Concepts in New Criticism
Close Reading: Analyzing the Text’s Language and Structure
Close reading is a central practice in New Criticism, involving a detailed analysis of the text’s language, structure, and literary devices. This method allows critics to uncover the underlying meaning and thematic unity of the text, focusing on how its formal elements work together to create a cohesive whole.
Paradox, Irony, and Ambiguity: Tools of Analysis
New Critics often employ paradox, irony, and ambiguity as tools for analyzing literary texts. These elements are seen as integral to the complexity and richness of a work, contributing to its depth and meaning. By examining these devices, critics can explore the tensions and contradictions within a text, revealing its multifaceted nature.
Unity and Organic Whole: The Text as a Coherent Entity
New Criticism views a literary work as an organic whole, where all elements are interconnected and contribute to the overall meaning of the text. This idea of unity is central to New Criticism, as it emphasizes the importance of analyzing how the various parts of a text work together to create a coherent and integrated work of art.
Imagery and Symbolism: Central to Meaning-Making
Imagery and symbolism are key components of New Criticism, as they are seen as essential to the
meaning-making process in literature. By analyzing the use of imagery and symbolism in a text, critics can uncover deeper layers of meaning and explore how these elements contribute to the overall themes and messages of the work.
Form and Content: Interdependence in Literary Analysis
New Criticism argues that form and content are inextricably linked in a literary work, with each influencing the other. This interdependence means that the formal elements of a text, such as its structure, language, and literary devices, are crucial to understanding its meaning. New Critics believe that a thorough analysis of both form and content is necessary for a complete interpretation of a text.
Impact of New Criticism on Literary Studies
Influence on Literary Curricula
New Criticism has had a profound impact on the way literature is taught and studied in academic institutions. Its emphasis on close reading and textual analysis has become a standard approach in literary curricula, shaping the way students and scholars engage with literature. The focus on the text itself has also influenced the development of literary theory and criticism, leading to new ways of thinking about literature and its interpretation.
Resistance to Biographical and Historical Criticism
New Criticism’s rejection of biographical and historical criticism marked a significant shift in literary studies. By advocating for an objective approach to literary analysis, New Critics challenged the traditional emphasis on the author’s life and historical context as primary sources of meaning. This resistance to external factors helped establish New Criticism as a dominant force in literary theory during the mid-20th century.
Contribution to Modern Literary Theory
New Criticism’s focus on the text itself laid the groundwork for many developments in modern literary theory. Its emphasis on close reading and the analysis of formal elements has influenced subsequent approaches to literary criticism, including structuralism, post-structuralism, and deconstruction. The ideas and methods of New Criticism continue to be relevant in contemporary literary studies, demonstrating its lasting impact on the field.
Criticisms and Limitations of New Criticism
Overemphasis on Textual Autonomy
One of the main criticisms of New Criticism is its overemphasis on the autonomy of the text. By focusing exclusively on the formal elements of a text, New Criticism can neglect the broader cultural, historical, and social contexts that shape literature. This narrow focus has been criticized for limiting the scope of literary analysis and ignoring the ways in which texts are influenced by external factors.
Ignoring Historical and Cultural Contexts
New Criticism’s disregard for historical and cultural contexts has been a point of contention for many critics. By isolating the text from its broader context, New Criticism can overlook the ways in which literature reflects and responds to the social, political, and historical forces of its time. This limitation has led to critiques from scholars who argue that understanding a text’s context is essential for a complete interpretation.
Critiques from Structuralists, Marxists, and Post-Structuralists
New Criticism has faced criticism from various schools of thought, including structuralism, Marxism, and post-structuralism. These approaches challenge New Criticism’s focus on the text itself and argue for a broader analysis that considers the cultural, ideological, and linguistic forces that shape literature. Critics from these schools have pointed out the limitations of New Criticism’s methods and called for more comprehensive approaches to literary analysis.
The Legacy of New Criticism
Continued Relevance in Literary Studies
Despite its criticisms, New Criticism remains a foundational approach in literary studies. Its emphasis on close reading and textual analysis continues to be a valuable method for interpreting literature, and its ideas have influenced a wide range of critical approaches. The legacy of New Criticism is evident in the continued use of its methods in literary analysis and its lasting impact on the field of literary studies.
Influence on Contemporary Criticism
New Criticism’s focus on the text itself has had a lasting influence on contemporary literary criticism. Its methods and ideas have been integrated into various critical approaches, including formalism, structuralism, and post-structuralism. The emphasis on close reading and the analysis of formal elements continues to be a central practice in literary criticism, demonstrating the enduring relevance of New Criticism.
Integration into Modern Analytical Methods
New Criticism’s methods have been integrated into modern analytical approaches, influencing the way literature is studied and interpreted. Its emphasis on the formal elements of a text has become a standard practice in literary analysis, and its ideas have shaped the development of various critical theories. The legacy of New Criticism is evident in the continued use of its methods and the lasting impact it has had on the field of literary studies.
Conclusion
New Criticism revolutionized the field of literary criticism by shifting the focus from external factors to the text itself. Through its emphasis on close reading, textual autonomy, and the analysis of formal elements, New Criticism has had a profound impact on the way literature is studied and interpreted. Despite its limitations, New Criticism remains a foundational approach in literary studies, with its methods and ideas continuing to influence contemporary criticism.
FAQs
What Is the Main Idea of New Criticism?
The main idea of New Criticism is that a literary text should be analyzed as an autonomous entity, independent of external factors such as the author’s intentions, historical context, or the reader’s emotional response. New Criticism emphasizes close reading and the analysis of the text’s formal elements to uncover its inherent meaning.
How Does New Criticism Differ from Other Literary Theories?
New Criticism differs from other literary theories in its focus on the text itself rather than external factors such as the author’s biography, historical context, or reader response. Unlike biographical or historical criticism, New Criticism advocates for an objective analysis of the text’s language, structure, and literary devices.
Why Is Close Reading Important in New Criticism?
Close reading is important in New Criticism because it allows critics to analyze the text’s language, structure, and literary devices in great detail. This method helps uncover the underlying meaning and thematic unity of the text, focusing on how its formal elements work together to create a cohesive whole.
Who Are the Major Figures Associated with New Criticism?
Major figures associated with New Criticism include I.A. Richards, T.S. Eliot, Cleanth Brooks, W.K. Wimsatt, John Crowe Ransom, and Robert Penn Warren. These thinkers played a significant role in developing and popularizing New Criticism, contributing to its principles and methods.
What Are the Limitations of New Criticism?
The limitations of New Criticism include its overemphasis on textual autonomy, disregard for historical and cultural contexts, and narrow focus on the formal elements of the text. Critics argue that New Criticism’s methods can limit the scope of literary analysis and overlook the broader social, political, and historical forces that shape literature.
