new criticism — A literary theory that focuses on close reading of texts without considering historical context or author's biography
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A literary theory that focuses on close reading of texts without considering historical context or author's biography
Pronunciation (IPA): /nuː ˈkrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- The professor taught us to analyze poetry using New Criticism, completely ignoring what Shakespeare had for breakfast.
- New Criticism revolutionized literary analysis in the mid-20th century.
- According to New Criticism, even if the author says 'I meant pizza,' the text might still be about existential dread.
new criticism
NOUN[/nuː ˈkrɪtɪˌsɪzəm/]
A literary theory that focuses on close reading of texts without considering historical context or author's biography

A literary theory that focuses on close reading of texts without considering historical context or author's biography

New criticism over mysticism!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
New Criticism is a literary critical approach that emerged in early 20th-century America and Britain. The term 'new criticism' was coined to emphasize its revolutionary departure from traditional biographical and historical methods of literary analysis, marking it as a contemporary and innovative methodology.
Breakdown
new (adjective: recent, novel, or revolutionary) + criticism (noun: the practice of analyzing and evaluating literary works). The compound denotes a fresh critical methodology focused on close reading and textual analysis rather than external contexts.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The professor taught us to analyze poetry using New Criticism, completely ignoring what Shakespeare had for breakfast.”
“New Criticism revolutionized literary analysis in the mid-20th century.”
“According to New Criticism, even if the author says 'I meant pizza,' the text might still be about existential dread.”
📚Related Words
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