π Understanding New Criticism
New Criticism, which dominated literary studies for much of the mid-20th century, focuses on the text itself. It treats a literary work as a self-contained object, independent of the author's intentions, the reader's subjective experience, and historical context. The goal is to analyze the text's internal elements β its language, imagery, symbolism, and structure β to uncover its objective meaning. Think of it like dissecting a frog πΈ; you're looking at the internal workings to understand how it functions.
π Understanding Reader-Response Theory
Reader-Response Theory, which gained prominence in the latter half of the 20th century, shifts the focus from the text to the reader. It argues that meaning is not inherent in the text but is created in the interaction between the text and the reader. Different readers, with their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, will interpret the same text in different ways. The text is seen as incomplete until it is read and interpreted. It's like giving someone a Lego set π§±; what they build depends on their imagination.
π New Criticism vs. Reader-Response Theory: A Comparison
| Feature |
New Criticism |
Reader-Response Theory |
| Focus |
The text itself |
The reader's experience |
| Source of Meaning |
Inherent in the text |
Created by the reader's interaction with the text |
| Role of the Author |
Irrelevant; intentional fallacy |
Less important than the reader |
| Role of the Reader |
Objective analyst; discovers meaning |
Active creator of meaning; subjective interpretation |
| Context |
Ignored; text is self-contained |
Crucial; reader's background influences interpretation |
| Key Concepts |
Close reading, objective analysis, organic unity |
Subjective interpretation, interpretive communities, transactional reading |
| Example Question |
How do the symbols in this poem contribute to its overall meaning? |
How does this novel make you feel, and why? |
π Key Takeaways
- π New Criticism: Focuses on the text as an independent entity, seeking objective meaning through close reading.
- π‘ Reader-Response Theory: Emphasizes the reader's role in creating meaning, acknowledging the subjectivity of interpretation.
- π The Core Difference: New Criticism prioritizes the text; Reader-Response Theory prioritizes the reader.
- π Context Matters: New Criticism disregards context; Reader-Response Theory embraces it.
- π§ͺ Application: Use New Criticism for detailed textual analysis; use Reader-Response Theory to explore diverse interpretations.