New criticism definitions
| Word backwards | wen msicitirc |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The part of speech of the term "new criticism" is a noun phrase. |
| Syllabic division | new cri-ti-cism |
| Plural | The plural of the word "new criticism" is "new criticisms." |
| Total letters | 12 |
| Vogais (2) | e,i |
| Consonants (7) | n,w,c,r,t,s,m |
New Criticism, also known as formalism, is a literary theory that focuses on analyzing a text based solely on the text itself, without taking into consideration the author's intentions, historical context, or reader's response. This approach emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a reaction against the subjective and impressionistic criticism prevalent at the time.
Key Concepts of New Criticism
New Criticism emphasizes close reading of the text to uncover its inherent meaning and formal elements such as structure, language, and imagery. It views the text as a self-contained and autonomous entity that should be analyzed on its own merits. The primary goal of New Criticism is to discover how the text functions as a cohesive whole and how its various parts contribute to its overall meaning.
Central Principles of New Criticism
One of the central principles of New Criticism is the "intentional fallacy," which asserts that the author's intentions are irrelevant to the interpretation of a text. Instead, New Critics focus on the "affective fallacy," which cautions against interpreting a text based on the reader's emotional response. By distancing themselves from the author and reader, New Critics aim to provide objective and rigorous analysis of the text itself.
Legacy of New Criticism
New Criticism had a significant impact on literary studies and continues to influence literary criticism today. Its emphasis on close reading and textual analysis laid the foundation for other critical approaches such as structuralism, deconstruction, and formalism. While New Criticism has been critiqued for its narrow focus and lack of attention to historical and cultural contexts, its legacy as a methodological tool for understanding literature remains enduring.
New criticism Examples
- The professor discussed the concept of new criticism in literature class.
- New criticism focuses on analyzing the text itself rather than the author's intentions.
- Students were asked to apply new criticism to a Shakespearean sonnet.
- The literary critic used new criticism to examine the symbolism in the novel.
- New criticism emerged as a prominent literary theory in the 20th century.
- The book club members had a lively discussion about new criticism and its significance.
- An understanding of new criticism can enhance one's appreciation of poetry.
- The student wrote a paper analyzing a poem using principles of new criticism.
- New criticism provides a framework for interpreting literature without relying on outside sources.
- The English professor emphasized the importance of incorporating new criticism in literary analysis essays.