Literary Theory 1: New Criticism - Concept + Questions - NTA UGC NET English - Sunaina Jethani

Summary

This video script delves into the realms of literary theory, specifically New Criticism, and its impact on the study of literature. It contrasts the old and new criticism approaches to text analysis, emphasizing the importance of close reading and the intrinsic value of the text itself, separate from historical or biographical context. The script discusses various critics and their contributions, including I.A. Richards and his 'Practical Criticism,' the role of language in poetry, and the significance of understanding the intent and tone of literary works. It also touches on the concept of 'heresy of paraphrase' and the importance of not relying solely on paraphrasing to understand poetry. The script aims to clarify concepts for students preparing for exams, providing insights into the expectations from a deep understanding of literary theories.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the importance of literary theory in English literature, emphasizing its significance in understanding various aspects of literature.
• 🔍 The script introduces the concepts of 'Old Criticism' and 'New Criticism,' highlighting the shift from focusing on the author's background to the text itself.
• 👨‍🏫 It explains that 'New Criticism' advocates for a close reading of the text, disregarding external factors like the author's life and historical context.
• 📖 The video emphasizes the autonomy of the text, suggesting that the meaning of a literary work should be derived from the text itself rather than external references.
• 🤔 The script poses questions about the differences between 'Subjective' and 'Objective' analysis in literary criticism, explaining that 'New Criticism' leans towards an objective analysis.
• 👶 The video uses the analogy of arranged marriages to old criticism and love marriages to new criticism, illustrating the shift in focus from the author to the text.
• 🧐 It mentions the 'Intentional Fallacy' and 'Affective Fallacy' as pitfalls to avoid in literary analysis, underscoring the importance of focusing solely on the text.
• 📝 The transcript references the work of I.A. Richards and his book 'Practical Criticism,' which introduced concepts like 'multiple meanings' and 'language functions' in literature.
• 🌐 The script touches upon the influence of 'New Criticism' on the field of literary studies, including its impact on how poetry and other literary works are analyzed and interpreted.
• 📚 The video encourages students to be confident in their understanding of literary theories, especially 'New Criticism,' to excel in their studies and exams.
• 🔑 The final takeaway is an invitation for students to engage with the content further, suggesting that they follow the series for a deeper dive into British literature and other topics.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to discuss the concepts of literary theory, particularly the transition from old to new criticism, and to provide insights into the practical application of these theories in the study of literature.

What is the significance of the 'New Criticism' movement in literary studies?

The 'New Criticism' movement is significant because it shifted the focus of literary analysis from the author's intentions and historical context to the text itself, emphasizing close reading and the intrinsic value of the work.

How does the script differentiate between 'Old Criticism' and 'New Criticism'?

The script differentiates 'Old Criticism' as being focused on the author's life, historical context, and intentions, while 'New Criticism' is described as objective, focusing solely on the text and its elements without considering external information.

What is the role of 'close reading' in 'New Criticism'?

'Close reading' is a central technique in 'New Criticism', where the text is analyzed in detail to uncover its meaning, including the use of language, literary devices, and the internal relationships within the text.

What is the concept of 'Practical Criticism' as discussed in the script?

'Practical Criticism' is an approach where the interpretation of a poem or text is separated from knowledge of the author, focusing on the reader's experience and the multiple meanings that can be derived from the text itself.

What are the four elements of 'meaning' discussed by I.A. Richards in the context of 'New Criticism'?

I.A. Richards discusses four elements of 'meaning' in literature: sense, feeling, tone, and intention. These elements help to convey the overall impact of a text on the reader.

How does the script relate the concept of 'heresy of paraphrase' to literary criticism?

The 'heresy of paraphrase' is a concept that criticizes the practice of reducing a poem to its paraphrase, which can oversimplify and misrepresent the depth and complexity of the original text. The script suggests that new critics avoid this by focusing on the text's intrinsic qualities.

What is the importance of understanding the different theories within 'New Criticism'?

Understanding different theories within 'New Criticism' is important for students of literature as it provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing texts, considering various aspects such as language, structure, and the reader's interaction with the text.

How does the script suggest students prepare for exams on literary theory?

The script suggests that students should engage with a series of practice questions and tests, focusing on understanding the theories and applying them to various texts, which will boost their confidence and preparation for exams.

What is the relevance of the journals 'Scrutiny' and 'Kenyon Review' to the 'New Criticism' movement?

The journals 'Scrutiny' and 'Kenyon Review' are relevant to 'New Criticism' as they were platforms that published works and theories associated with the movement, contributing to its development and influence in literary studies.

What is the significance of the 'Intentional Fallacy' and 'Affective Fallacy' in 'New Criticism'?

The 'Intentional Fallacy' and 'Affective Fallacy' are significant concepts in 'New Criticism' that argue against basing interpretations of a text on the author's intentions or the emotional effect it has on the reader, instead advocating for an objective analysis of the text itself.