Historical Criticism

Summary

Historical Criticism explores the influence of historical, social, political, and cultural contexts on literary works. It emphasizes understanding the time period of both the story and its author to better grasp the writer’s intent. By examining the historical conditions, language, and events surrounding a text, critics can uncover deeper meanings. For example, terms like 'man of no profession' in Jane Austen’s 'Sense and Sensibility' had different connotations in the past. Historical criticism also involves understanding societal issues, such as those referenced in Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Letter from Birmingham Jail.'

Takeaways

• 😀 Historical criticism explores the historical, social, political, and cultural context of a literary work to understand its meaning.
• 😀 Historical critics believe that a writer’s background and the time in which they wrote influence the literature produced.
• 😀 A person's experiences and perspective, shaped by their time period, will affect the way they tell a story.
• 😀 Historical criticism considers both the time period within the story and the time period when the work was written.
• 😀 Understanding the words and meanings of a certain time period is crucial for interpreting both the writer’s intention and the reader's response.
• 😀 An example of historical criticism is how 'man of no profession' in 'Sense and Sensibility' once meant a wealthy man, but today could imply someone unemployed.
• 😀 Historical criticism also requires knowledge of the laws and societal norms of the time, as seen in 'Sense and Sensibility' with the restrictions on women’s property ownership.
• 😀 Key strategies for historical criticism include researching the author’s time, relating that information to the work, and identifying references to historical conditions or events within the text.
• 😀 Aspects to consider during historical criticism include political, economic, cultural, and social environments, as well as technological advancements and societal trends.
• 😀 Understanding historical context is essential for interpreting works like 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' by Martin Luther King Jr., which references figures like Rosa Parks and events like the bus boycott.
• 😀 Analyzing the author’s choice of words and their cultural significance can reveal deeper insights into their attitude toward specific issues, like education or freedom.

Q & A

What is historical criticism?

Historical criticism is a method of literary analysis that examines the historical, social, political, and cultural context of a literary work. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the time period during which the work was written and the time period depicted within the story.

Why do historical critics focus on the time periods of both the writer and the story?

Historical critics believe that the historical, social, political, and cultural context influences a literary work and is essential to understanding the writer's intent and the meaning of the work. By analyzing both the time of writing and the time of the story, critics gain a deeper insight into the author's perspective and message.

How does historical criticism differ when applied to different time periods?

Historical criticism can reveal how a literary work from one time period reflects the unique circumstances, values, and experiences of that time. For instance, a story written during the era of covered wagons in the U.S. will have very different themes and issues compared to one written during the Vietnam War or modern times.

What example is given in the script to illustrate how historical context affects the meaning of words?

The example of 'Sense and Sensibility' by Jane Austen is used to illustrate how the meaning of words changes over time. The term 'man of no profession' in the context of the book meant a wealthy gentleman who did not need to work, but today, it would imply someone who is unemployed or even a 'bum'.

What role does the audience's response play in historical criticism?

In historical criticism, the audience's response to the work is important because it reflects the attitudes, values, and societal conditions of the time. Understanding how the audience of the time would have perceived the work helps critics interpret its meaning and significance.

How does the lack of property ownership for women in 'Sense and Sensibility' relate to historical criticism?

Historical criticism helps to understand how societal laws and norms, such as women's inability to own property during Austen's time, influenced the characters' lives and the plot. In 'Sense and Sensibility,' despite the father's wealth, the daughters are left impoverished because of these legal restrictions on women.

What strategies are suggested for conducting historical criticism?

The strategies for conducting historical criticism include researching the author's time, relating historical conditions to the literary work, examining the work for references to specific historical events or conditions, and considering political, economic, and cultural factors.

What are some questions to ask when performing historical criticism?

Some questions to ask include: Did the author live in a democracy or under a monarchy? What were the social and economic conditions of the time? What was the cultural climate like? How did events like wars, scientific advances, or social movements influence literature?

How does historical criticism apply to 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' by Martin Luther King, Jr.?

To understand 'Letter from Birmingham Jail,' historical criticism requires knowledge of the civil rights movement, figures like Rosa Parks, and key events like bus boycotts. These historical elements shape the letter's message about freedom, equality, and social justice.

How can the author's attitude be identified through historical criticism?

Historical critics can identify an author's attitude by analyzing their word choice and the themes they emphasize. For example, a work discussing the right to education might reveal the author's stance on social issues and the political climate of their time.