The Chicago School of Poetics

The Chicago School of Poetics, centered at the University of Chicago in the early 20th century, emphasized analyzing poetry through formal structures, language, and literary techniques rather than solely focusing on moral or emotional messages. It treated poetry as a crafted art form where style and form shape meaning. The approach valued close reading and detailed analysis, aiming to uncover how a poem’s form and diction contribute to its overall effect. This perspective contributed to modern literary criticism by highlighting the importance of structure, sound, and technique in understanding poetic works.