NEW CRITICISM Meaning and
Definition
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New Criticism is a literary theory and method of close reading that emerged in the early 20th century, particularly prominent in the 1940s and 1950s. It emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of a text based solely on its intrinsic qualities without considering the author's intentions, historical context, or reader's response. Also known as formalism, this approach focuses on the text's structure, language, imagery, and symbolism to determine its meaning.
New Criticism rejects the tendency to view a work of literature as a reflection of an author's personality or beliefs. Instead, it treats the text as an autonomous entity, separate from the author's personal life or societal influences. The New Critics believed that literature should be analyzed on its own terms, and that its meaning could be discovered by paying meticulous attention to the words on the page. They emphasized close reading, which involves scrutinizing the structure and language of the text, seeking patterns and inconsistencies, and analyzing the effects created by literary devices such as metaphor, irony, and ambiguity.
New Criticism seeks to identify and elucidate the paradoxes, tensions, and complexities inherent within a literary work. It emphasizes the importance of unity and coherence within the text, arguing that a well-crafted piece of literature should possess an intrinsic harmony and balance between its various elements. The New Critics also maintained that the meaning derived from a text is subjective and interpretive, shaped by the reader's engagement with the words on the page. Through the rigorous analysis of form, language, and symbolism, New Criticism aims to uncover the multiple layers of meaning and aesthetic qualities inherent within a work of literature.
Common Misspellings for NEW CRITICISM
- bew criticism
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- new xriticism
- new vriticism
- new friticism
Etymology of NEW CRITICISM
The term "New Criticism" originated in the early 20th century as a description for a particular school of literary criticism. The term itself was coined by John Crowe Ransom, an American poet and critic, in his book "The New Criticism", published in 1941.
The etymology of the term can be broken down as follows:
1. New: The word "new" in New Criticism represents a departure from the traditional or established methods of literary analysis that were prevalent at the time. It suggests a fresh perspective and approach to understanding literature.
2. Criticism: The term "criticism" refers to the act of analyzing, interpreting, and evaluating literary works. It denotes the academic discipline concerned with examining the structure, form, themes, and other aspects of literary texts.
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