The New Historicism Manifesto

The New Historicism Manifesto advocates for understanding literature and cultural works through their historical context, emphasizing that texts are deeply connected to the social, political, and power structures of their time. It challenges traditional ideas of a single, fixed meaning, instead seeing literature as part of a web of historical forces and human experiences. This approach encourages analyzing how texts reflect and influence their era, revealing hidden power dynamics and societal issues. Essentially, it promotes viewing literature not just as art but as a product of culture, encouraging a nuanced, contextual approach to interpretation.