Historical CriticismNew Historicism, Cultural Studies (1980s-present)

Emily SellingerMaria BarrEmma MaddenAlexandra Capocasale

Emily PaglioneLetizia Irviano

Origins of Historical CriticismAlso known as the historical-

critical method or higher criticism.

Began in the 17th century, but gained popular recognition in later centuries

Associated with Biblical studies and pursuits.

In 18th century, higher criticism was used in mainstream scholarship

Origins of New Historicism

Developed during the 1980’sLargely a reaction to text-only

approach of formalist New Critics and those who opposed them in the 1970’s.

It’s based on the literary criticism of Stephen Greenblatt and influenced by the philosophy of Michel Foucault.

*It’s a follow up to historical criticism

Important Critics in New Historicism

Stephen Greenblatt- Stephen is one of the central figures of New Historicism movement. Greenblatt gained popularity in the 1990s through his criticisms of Shakespeare’s works. He works as a humanities professor at Harvard.

Louis Montrose- Montrose was a early member of the New Historicism movement. He is well known for his work with Renaissance theatre and poetry. He is a Professor of English at the University of California.

H. Aram Veeser- Veeser edited a collection of essays called “New Historicism”. They discussed the main themes and assumptions of the theory behind the movement.

Influences in New HistoricismMichel Foucault was a historian

and philosopher. His work was a major influence on New Historicism.◦He analyzed and discussed the

relationships between different fields in his criticism, such as medicine, philosophy, and government.

◦The relationships between social, political, and cultural events and literature plays a large part in historical criticism.

The DifferenceHistorical Criticism: To understand

a literary piece one must understand the author (background, biography, ideas at time of life, and their environment)

New Historicism: Seeks meaning in text based on the historical era it was created in (the ideas and assumptions of the time). Focuses on revealing the historically specific model of truth

Questions to AskWhat aspects present in the work

reflect the current events of the author’s day?

Are there period dated terms?How are the events interpreted?What position is the author taking

regarding the events or conditions of the time?

What literary or historical influences helped to shape the work?

What to ResearchThe author’s time (political

history, literary period, economic history, idols of the time, etc)

References, attitudes, and relationships.

Changes in language.The time the piece is set in.The characteristics of its literary

period.

Example: Historical Criticism Meant to verify the historical

authenticity and understand the meaning of an event that took place in the past.

Ex. Applied in Biblical studies; comparing specific parts of the Bible (Revelations, Old Testament, etc) to Hebrew texts and other works written of the same time.

Example: New HistoricismExamine a book in the context of

the period it was written in and the period it was set in as a piece of social, political, and artistic thought.

Ex. If a popular film were to create a new term, new historicism would investigate cultures or people that would adopt the phrase or word- the impact it would have.

Works CitedBrizee, Allen, and J. Tompkins. "New Historicism, Cultural Studies

(1980s-present)." Purdue OWL: Literary Theory and Schools of Criticism. Purdue University, 16 Mar. 2012. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.

Delahoyde, Michael. "New Historicism." Literature. Washington State University, 6 Jan. 2011. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.

De Smedt, Charles. "Historical Criticism." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 4. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1908. 9 Sept. 2013

Felluga, Dino. "General Introduction to New Historicism." Introductory Guide to Critical Theory. 31 Jan. 201. Purdue U. 9 Sept. 2013. 

Gutting, Gary. "Michel Foucault." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Stanford Univerisity, 2 Apr. 2003. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.

Holloway, J. E. "What Are the Main Elements of New Historicism?" WiseGEEK. Conjecture Corporation, n.d. Web. 9 Sept. 2013.