fr leavis

Chapter 1: New Criticism, Moral Formalism, and F. R. Leavis

1. Origins of Anglo-American Criticism (1920s-1970s)

  • Complex and contradictory traditions of criticism stemming from British influences, mainly Matthew Arnold.

    • Arnold believed that poetry could replace philosophy and religion in modern society.

    • Arnold’s concept of ‘Culture’ as the best thoughts and knowledge, serving as a defense against societal chaos (termed ‘Anarchy’).

  • Central figures influencing these traditions include T. S. Eliot, I. A. Richards, William Empson, and F. R. Leavis.

2. T. S. Eliot’s Influence

  • Eliot’s essay "Tradition and the Individual Talent" (1919) emphasized:

    • Importance of 'historical sense' for writers to situate their work in tradition.

    • Concept of ‘depersonalization’ of the artist to achieve an ‘impersonality’ essential for art.

    • Art serves as an ‘objective correlative’ of experience – a representation separate from personal emotion.

  • Eliot’s work fosters a profound respect for literary texts as vehicles against cultural barbarism.

3. Close Reading and Textual Analysis

  • Emergence of ‘scrutiny’ leading to ‘discrimination': not all writing qualifies as ‘Literature’.

  • The canon of literature became hierarchical and exclusive, resulting in marginalized voices (e.g., women’s and working-class writings).

  • The necessity of demystifying the canon post-1960s due to the critical revolution.

4. I. A. Richards and William Empson

  • I. A. Richards

    • Author of "Principles of Literary Criticism" (1924) and "Practical Criticism" (1929), establishing a theoretical base for literary study.

    • Proposed that literary criticism should imitate scientific precision and emphasized close reading.

    • Practical Criticism became central in educational syllabi.

  • William Empson

    • Significant for "Seven Types of Ambiguity" (1930), highlighting ‘ambiguity’ as central to poetry.

    • Developed close reading techniques that detached texts from their historical contexts.

5. American New Criticism

  • Emerged in the 1920s, dominating in the 1940s and 1950s.

  • Originated partly from Southern Agrarians who resisted industrialism and modernity.

  • Characteristics of New Criticism include:

    • Focus solely on texts, reducing dependency on historical or biographical context.

    • Analysis of language, structure, and the poem’s inherent qualities.

    • Emphasis on the ‘text in itself’ and its organization, considering irony, paradox, and ambiguity.

6. Key Texts and Theoretical Foundations

  • John Crowe Ransom's essay "Criticism, Inc." (1937) promoted professional criticism.

  • Cleanth Brooks, a notable practitioner, with works like "Understanding Poetry" (1938) popularizing New Critical methods.

  • W. K. Wimsatt and Monroe C. Beardsley contributed influential essays: "The Intentional Fallacy" (1946) and "The Affective Fallacy" (1949), advocating for an objective, text-centered criticism.

7. F. R. Leavis and Moral Formalism

  • F. R. Leavis was influential in English Studies, promoting 'great works' of literature while critiquing modernity.

  • Influenced by Arnold and Eliot, he aimed to bring literature’s moral force into education.

  • Leavis's views on literature:

    • It should reflect human awareness and present ethical cultural values.

    • Engaged in establishing a canon, identifying significant authors.

  • His concept of ‘Life’ remained vague yet central to his critique, intended to resist cultural decline and mass civilization.

  • Despite critiques, his work was pivotal in shaping English literary studies throughout the 20th century.