Lit Survey New Criticism Close Reading
37 flashcards covering Lit Survey New Criticism Close Reading for the LITERATURE-SURVEY Lit Survey Topics section.
New Criticism is a literary theory that emphasizes close reading, focusing on the text itself rather than external contexts like author biography or historical background. Defined by the curriculum of Introduction to Literature courses, this approach encourages readers to analyze elements such as imagery, symbolism, and structure within the text. By concentrating on the language and form, New Criticism allows for a deeper understanding of a work's meaning and artistic value.
In practice exams or competency assessments, questions related to New Criticism often require candidates to analyze a passage and identify literary devices or thematic elements. Common traps include misinterpreting the significance of a metaphor or overlooking the importance of form in conveying meaning. A frequent oversight is neglecting to consider how the arrangement of lines or stanzas contributes to the overall impact of the poem or narrative, which can lead to incomplete analyses.
Terms (37)
- 01
What is New Criticism in literary analysis?
New Criticism is an approach that emphasizes close reading of the text itself, focusing on its formal elements such as structure, imagery, and language, while minimizing external context such as author biography or historical background (Norton Anthology, Introduction to Literary Theory).
- 02
How does close reading differ from other literary analysis methods?
Close reading involves a detailed and careful analysis of the text's language, structure, and meaning, contrasting with methods that consider historical or biographical context (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Literary Analysis).
- 03
What are the key components of a close reading?
Key components include examining diction, imagery, symbolism, tone, and structure to uncover deeper meanings within the text (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).
- 04
What is the significance of textual evidence in New Criticism?
Textual evidence is crucial in New Criticism as it supports interpretations derived solely from the text, reinforcing the idea that meaning is found within the work itself (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on New Criticism).
- 05
When performing a close reading, what should be the primary focus?
The primary focus should be on the language and structure of the text, analyzing how these elements contribute to its overall meaning (Norton Anthology, Close Reading section).
- 06
Under New Criticism, how should one approach a poem?
One should analyze the poem's form, sound, imagery, and figurative language, considering how these elements interact to create meaning (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Poetry).
- 07
What role does ambiguity play in New Criticism?
Ambiguity is seen as a vital aspect of a text, allowing for multiple interpretations and deeper analysis, which is essential in close reading (Norton Anthology, Introduction to Literary Theory).
- 08
How often should a text be re-read for effective close reading?
A text should be re-read multiple times to gain a deeper understanding of its nuances and complexities, as close reading is an iterative process (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Close Reading).
- 09
What is the first step in conducting a close reading of a passage?
The first step is to read the passage carefully and attentively, noting initial impressions and significant details that stand out (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).
- 10
What should you consider about the author's choice of words during close reading?
Consider the connotations, denotations, and emotional weight of the words, as they can reveal deeper meanings and themes (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Language).
- 11
How does New Criticism view the author's intent?
New Criticism generally downplays the author's intent, focusing instead on the text itself and how it operates independently of external influences (Norton Anthology, Introduction to Literary Theory).
- 12
What is the importance of structure in a close reading analysis?
Structure is important as it shapes the reader's experience and understanding of the text, influencing how themes and meanings are conveyed (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Structure).
- 13
In New Criticism, what is meant by 'the text itself'?
'The text itself' refers to the literary work as an autonomous entity, distinct from authorial intent, historical context, or reader response (Norton Anthology, Introduction to Literary Theory).
- 14
What is a common misconception about New Criticism?
A common misconception is that New Criticism ignores context entirely; while it emphasizes the text, it acknowledges that context can inform but not dictate meaning (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on New Criticism).
- 15
When analyzing imagery in a text, what should be the focus?
The focus should be on how imagery contributes to themes and emotional resonance, examining specific examples and their effects (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).
- 16
What does 'close reading' encourage in terms of reader engagement?
Close reading encourages active engagement with the text, prompting readers to question and explore meanings rather than passively consuming the narrative (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Close Reading).
- 17
How can symbolism be analyzed in a close reading?
Symbolism can be analyzed by identifying symbols within the text and exploring their meanings and implications in relation to the overall themes (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).
- 18
What is the relationship between form and content in New Criticism?
New Criticism posits that form and content are inseparable; the way a text is structured significantly influences its meaning (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Form and Content).
- 19
What should be avoided in a New Criticism analysis?
Avoid incorporating personal opinions or external context, focusing instead on the text's intrinsic elements and meanings (Norton Anthology, Introduction to Literary Theory).
- 20
In close reading, how should one treat a text's title?
The title should be analyzed for its significance, as it often provides insight into the themes and focus of the work (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Titles).
- 21
What is the role of tone in close reading?
Tone is crucial as it conveys the author's attitude and emotional stance, influencing the reader's interpretation of the text (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).
- 22
How does New Criticism approach character analysis?
Character analysis in New Criticism focuses on the text's portrayal of characters and their relationships, examining how these elements contribute to the overall meaning (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Character).
- 23
What is the significance of paradox in a literary text?
Paradox can reveal complex truths and tensions within a text, prompting deeper analysis and interpretation (Norton Anthology, Introduction to Literary Theory).
- 24
How should irony be interpreted in a close reading?
Irony should be interpreted by considering its context and implications, as it often adds layers of meaning to the text (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Irony).
- 25
What is the purpose of annotation during close reading?
Annotation serves to capture insights, questions, and observations, facilitating a deeper engagement with the text (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).
- 26
How can a reader identify themes through close reading?
Themes can be identified by analyzing recurring motifs, symbols, and the text's overall message as revealed through its language and structure (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Themes).
- 27
What is the impact of punctuation in a literary text?
Punctuation can affect the rhythm and meaning of a text, influencing how the reader interprets its flow and emphasis (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).
- 28
How does New Criticism view historical context?
New Criticism acknowledges historical context but prioritizes the text itself as the primary source of meaning (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Context).
- 29
What should be the outcome of a close reading?
The outcome should be a nuanced understanding of the text, revealing its complexities and deeper meanings through careful analysis (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).
- 30
What is the relationship between reader response and New Criticism?
New Criticism tends to minimize reader response, focusing instead on the text's inherent meanings rather than individual interpretations (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Reader Response).
- 31
What is the effect of alliteration in poetry?
Alliteration can enhance the musical quality of a poem, drawing attention to specific phrases and contributing to its overall mood (Norton Anthology, Chapter on Sound in Poetry).
- 32
How does metaphor function in literary analysis?
Metaphor functions as a means to convey complex ideas and emotions, often revealing deeper insights within the text (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Figurative Language).
- 33
What should a reader look for when analyzing dialogue in a text?
A reader should analyze how dialogue reveals character relationships, motivations, and contributes to the overall theme (Norton Anthology, Chapter on Dialogue).
- 34
What is the role of setting in New Criticism?
Setting is analyzed for its influence on character behavior and thematic development, as it provides context within the text (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Setting).
- 35
What does 'textual integrity' mean in New Criticism?
Textual integrity refers to the idea that a text should be analyzed as a complete, self-contained work, without reliance on external factors (Norton Anthology, Introduction to Literary Theory).
- 36
How can a reader identify the narrative voice in a text?
The narrative voice can be identified by examining the perspective from which the story is told, including tone, style, and reliability (Bedford Introduction to Literature, Chapter on Narrative).
- 37
What is the importance of context clues in close reading?
Context clues help readers infer meanings and themes, enhancing their understanding of the text's nuances (Norton Anthology, Close Reading chapter).