Warm UpExamine the ink blot on the slide.

What do you see in the image? Write down a short explanation of what you see in the space provided.

Be prepared to share.

The Different Lenses We Use….

Literary TheoryIn the study of literature, “theory” has

traditionally referred to a set of general principles that can be used to classify or otherwise analyze a literary work. In some cases, theory is used to interpret or even evaluate texts.

A critical essay may not clearly ground itself in a particular literary theory, but some general theory or set of assumptions about literature is implied in most interpretations or analyses.

Literary TheoryLiterary theory provides justification, or at least explanation, for the questions raised and the conclusions reached by a specific critic.

Critics who do not work within a theoretical framework are vulnerable to the charge of making arbitrary and random judgments.

Think of it as a microscope of sorts…

PerspectiveLiterary interpretation is often influenced by a

person’s perspective. For instance, Achebe, an African, may have a very different reaction to Heart of Darkness than a reader with no experiences or appreciation for African culture. (In fact, that’s Achebe’s very gripe!)

A female, for example, may have a stronger reaction to an individualized, feminist character than a chauvinist male might.

It’s all about how YOU, the reader, views a certain text. What perspective are you brining to the table? The truth is, there is no one correct way!

What Do You See?Let’s try a little test of perspective, shall we?

What do you see?

An Example of Lit. Theory

Literary Historicism is the field of study devoted to grasping the relationship which links a literary work to its social and historical context. 

The question arises; do social and historical determinants express or manifest themselves through literary works? 

Can a text, for example, a work of fantasy, be historically-informed even if it is not realistic? 

What is Literary Historicism?

History as written is an accurate view of what is really occurred.

History serves as a background to literature.Historical textual background is secondarily

important because the text mirrors the history of its time.

By applying the historical context to thetexts the critic believes that he or she canformulate a more accurate interpretation oftexts than if s/he did not know suchhistorical context.

Old Historicism Beliefs

Developed in the 1980’sReaction to the “text only” approach

of formalism. (Formalism suggests that meaning can be found only in the work itself, not in external influences.)

New Historicists believe history is subjective: one of many discourses. History is shaped by the people who lived it.

New Historicism

Emphasizes “the interaction between historic context of the work and modern reader’s understanding and interpretation.”

Historicists consider both the cultural and social forces that influenced the creation of a text and are revealed through a text.

Views a text as “culture in action,” blurringthe distinction between an artistic production and any other kind of social production or event.

New Historicism

New historicists assume that works of literature both influence and are influenced by historical reality, and they share a belief that literature both refers and is referred to by things outside itself.

New Historicists are also unlikely to view history as a linear progression leading to present day; therefore, they often dismiss the Zeitgeist (“spirit of the times”) of an era. Hence, they are unlikely to suggest that a literary text has a single or easily identifiable historical context.

New Historicism

Historicists examine not only the influence of the social, cultural, and historical circumstances on the work, but also the reception and significance of that work in the past and present.

Texts are really social documents that reflectbut also, and more importantly, respond totheir historical situation.

It’s kind of like a cycle…

The Cycle of Creation

New Historicist View of LiteratureSociety/culture influences the creation of a work

Work is published

Society/culture digests the work and is changed by it in some small (or large) way

Altered society/culture influences the creation of a new work (rinse and repeat)

“Meeting Mr. Kurtz”How does Hothchild analyze Heart of

Darkness in his article?What seems to be the driving force

behind his analysis?Explain.