Historical-Approach

Historical Approach

Definition

• Historical criticism evaluates literary texts in the context of the historical period in which they were written.

• Considers cultural, social, and political influences of the time.

• Provides deeper understanding of the work's significance and author’s perspective.

Important Figures

E.H. Carr

• Emphasized the significance of historical context in understanding literature.

Rene Wellek & Austin Warren

• Highlighted how literature reflects its time.

• Their theories shaped the field by emphasizing interplay between literature and historical circumstances.

Influence of Historical Context on Literature

• Historical context profoundly influences literature, shaping:

  • Themes

  • Character development

  • Societal reflections within the text.

• Understanding the era reveals deeper meanings, linking literature to social issues and events.

Insights Gained from Historical Criticism

• Readers gain insights into:

  • Author's intentions

  • Larger cultural narratives informing the work.

Examples in Literature

Shakespeare's Works

• Reflect political and social dynamics of Elizabethan England.

• Plays like 'Julius Caesar' and 'Henry V' explore themes of power and leadership.

• Resonate with historical events: tensions between monarchy and republicanism, implications of war.

Hawthorne's 'The Scarlet Letter'

• Serves as critique of Puritan society in 17th-century Massachusetts.

• Addresses themes of sin, guilt, and redemption.

• Reveals harsh moral standards and social dynamics, influencing protagonist's struggles and societal ostracism.

Dickens and Victorian Society

• Portrays social issues of Victorian England in his novels.

• Works like 'Oliver Twist' and 'A Tale of Two Cities' reflect struggles of the poor during industrialization and social reform.

• Characters embody conflict between wealth and poverty, exposing societal flaws.