New Criticism
Concept Map
New Criticism is a literary movement that emphasizes close reading and the intrinsic analysis of texts without external influences. It advocates for understanding literature based on aesthetic elements such as form, structure, and language, while disregarding the author's intent and historical context. The movement introduced concepts like the Intentional and Affective Fallacies, promoting an objective approach to literary criticism.
Summary
Outline
Exploring the Principles of New Criticism
New Criticism is a literary movement that arose in the early 20th century, advocating for the intrinsic analysis of texts. It emphasizes the importance of 'close reading,' focusing on the text itself as an autonomous entity capable of generating meaning independently of the author's intent, historical context, or philosophical implications. New Critics examine a work's aesthetic elements—its form, structure, language, tone, and literary devices—to uncover the inherent meaning. This method seeks to understand what the text communicates, rather than the external factors surrounding its creation.The Origins and Theoretical Framework of New Criticism
New Criticism developed in reaction to biographical and historical criticism, which often linked a text's meaning to the author's life or the socio-political context of its creation. New Critics proposed a more objective analysis, focusing on the text as a self-contained work of art. They argued that a literary work should be appreciated for its own sake, without being used as a vehicle for broader socio-political or moral messages. This approach marked a shift towards a more empirical and scientific method in literary studies.Defining Concepts: Intentional and Affective Fallacies
Two key concepts in New Criticism are the 'Intentional Fallacy' and the 'Affective Fallacy.' The Intentional Fallacy is the mistaken belief that a work's meaning is determined by the author's intended meaning. New Critics assert that the author's intentions are unknowable and irrelevant to the text's interpretation. The Affective Fallacy refers to the error of equating a reader's emotional response with the text's meaning. Since personal responses are subjective, they are not considered a reliable basis for analysis.New Criticism in Practice: Analyzing "The Great Gatsby"
Applying New Criticism to F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" involves setting aside its historical context of the Jazz Age and its critique of the American Dream. Instead, the focus is on the narrative itself, examining the story of Gatsby's pursuit of love and the narrative techniques Fitzgerald uses to explore themes of desire and the human condition. This approach highlights the novel's internal dynamics and literary craftsmanship, rather than its socio-historical implications.Influential Proponents of New Criticism
Key figures such as I. A. Richards and T. S. Eliot were instrumental in the development of New Criticism. Richards' work in "Practical Criticism" showcased the rich interpretations possible when external context is disregarded. Eliot's "Tradition and the Individual Talent" argued for evaluating art within the continuum of literary tradition, rather than through historical or biographical lenses. These critics laid the foundation for a literary analysis that privileges the text itself as the primary source of meaning.The Democratic Implications of New Criticism
New Criticism democratized literary criticism by suggesting that anyone could engage in the analysis of literature without needing specialized knowledge of the author's biography or historical context. This approach made literary criticism more accessible and egalitarian, allowing for a more objective interpretation of texts. By focusing solely on the text, New Criticism promotes interpretations that are closely tied to the work itself, rather than external contexts.Summarizing the Impact of New Criticism
New Criticism offers a concentrated approach to literary analysis that prioritizes the text's aesthetic qualities over external contexts. It introduces the Intentional and Affective Fallacies to discourage reliance on the author's intent or the reader's emotional response. Through the contributions of critics like Richards and Eliot, New Criticism has established a systematic, objective, and inclusive method for studying literature, underscoring the primacy of the text in deriving meaning.
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Definition of New Criticism
Literary movement
New Criticism is a literary movement that emerged in the early 20th century
Intrinsic analysis of texts
New Criticism emphasizes the importance of close reading and focuses on the text itself as an autonomous entity
Emphasis on aesthetic elements
New Critics examine a work's form, structure, language, tone, and literary devices to uncover its inherent meaning
Contrast with other forms of criticism
Reaction to biographical and historical criticism
New Criticism developed in response to the tendency of other forms of criticism to link a text's meaning to external factors such as the author's life or historical context
Objective analysis
New Critics propose a more objective analysis, focusing on the text as a self-contained work of art
Appreciation for its own sake
New Criticism argues that a literary work should be appreciated for its own sake, rather than being used as a vehicle for broader messages
Key concepts in New Criticism
Intentional Fallacy
The Intentional Fallacy is the mistaken belief that a work's meaning is determined by the author's intended meaning
Affective Fallacy
The Affective Fallacy refers to the error of equating a reader's emotional response with the text's meaning
Application to "The Great Gatsby"
Applying New Criticism to "The Great Gatsby" involves setting aside its historical context and focusing on the narrative and literary techniques used to explore themes of desire and the human condition
Key figures in New Criticism
I. A. Richards
Richards' work in "Practical Criticism" showcased the rich interpretations possible when external context is disregarded
T. S. Eliot
Eliot's "Tradition and the Individual Talent" argued for evaluating art within the continuum of literary tradition
Democratization of literary criticism
New Criticism made literary criticism more accessible and egalitarian by suggesting that anyone could engage in the analysis of literature without needing specialized knowledge of external contexts
New Criticism
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New Criticism: Focus on Text
Analyzes text as independent entity, disregarding author's intent and historical context.
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Close Reading Technique
In-depth analysis of text's form, structure, language, tone, and literary devices.
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Aesthetic Elements in New Criticism
Examines how form, structure, and literary devices contribute to text's inherent meaning.
