New Criticism Manifesto

The New Criticism Manifesto is a literary theory that emerged in the early 20th century, focusing on analyzing a text as an independent work, rather than considering the author's intentions, historical context, or reader’s reactions. Key principles emphasize close reading, examining elements like imagery, symbolism, and structure to uncover the text's meaning. This approach asserts that the meaning of a work resides within its language and form, encouraging an objective analysis that prioritizes the text itself over external factors. New Criticism revolutionized literary studies by promoting rigorous, detailed examinations of literature.