New Criticism Overview

Lasting Impact of New Criticism

• New Criticism has had a lasting impact on literary studies, shaping the way scholars and students approach literary analysis.
• Its emphasis on close reading and textual analysis has influenced the development of literary theory and criticism.

Close Reading

• Close reading, introduced by New Criticism, is a meticulous and detailed analysis of a literary text, focusing on its language, structure, and literary devices.
• It involves a careful examination of the text's internal dynamics, exploring how the various elements contribute to the overall meaning.

Distinctions from Contemporary Literary Theories

• New Criticism differs from contemporary literary theories, such as Marxism, feminism, and postcolonialism, which focus on the social and cultural context of a text.
• New Criticism, in contrast, focuses on the autonomous text, examining its internal meaning and aesthetics.

Influence on Instruction of Literary Studies

• New Criticism has significantly influenced the instruction of literary studies, with many scholars and teachers adopting its close reading approach.
• This approach has shaped the way literature is taught, emphasizing the importance of detailed analysis and textual interpretation.

Current Awareness Level

• Despite its significant influence, the current awareness level regarding New Criticism's contribution to literary studies is often limited, with many students and scholars unaware of its lasting impact.
• Recognizing New Criticism's role in shaping literary studies can provide a deeper understanding of the development of literary theory and criticism.

Test your knowledge of New Criticism, a literary theory that dominated literary studies from the 1940s through the 1960s. Explore its lasting impact on the way we read and write about literature.