New historicism criticism

New Historicism is a critical approach in literary theory that emerged in the 1980s. It is characterized by a focus on the historical and cultural context in which a text was written, and an emphasis on the ways in which that context shapes the text's meaning.

Key features of New Historicism include:

1. Contextualization: New Historicists argue that a text's meaning cannot be understood in isolation, but must be considered in relation to the historical and cultural context in which it was written.
2. Interdisciplinary approach: New Historicists draw on a range of disciplines, including history, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies, to inform their analysis of a text.
3. Focus on power relations: New Historicists are interested in the ways in which power operates in a text, and how it shapes the relationships between characters, authors, and readers.
4. Attention to the material text: New Historicists pay close attention to the physical characteristics of a text, such as its layout, typography, and illustrations, as well as its language and style.
5. Rejection of grand narratives: New Historicists are skeptical of grand narratives or meta-narratives that attempt to explain the meaning of a text or a historical period. Instead, they focus on the specific, local contexts in which a text was written.

Some of the key figures associated with New Historicism include:

1. Stephen Greenblatt: Greenblatt is often credited with developing the New Historicist approach. His book "Renaissance Self-Fashioning" (1980) is a key work in the field.
2. Louis Montrose: Montrose is another influential figure in the development of New Historicism. His book "The Purpose of Playing: Shakespeare and the Cultural Politics of the Elizabethan Theatre" (1996) is a classic example of the approach.
3. Jonathan Goldberg: Goldberg is a prominent New Historicist who has written extensively on Renaissance literature and culture.

Some of the key texts associated with New Historicism include:

1. "Renaissance Self-Fashioning" by Stephen Greenblatt: This book is a foundational work in the field of New Historicism.
2. "The Purpose of Playing" by Louis Montrose: This book is a classic example of the New Historicist approach, and explores the cultural politics of the Elizabethan theatre.
3. "Shakespeare's Baggage: Essays in Honour of G.K. Hunter" edited by Michael J. Redmond: This collection of essays is a key work in the field of New Historicism, and explores the cultural and historical contexts of Shakespeare's plays.

Some of the key criticisms of New Historicism include:

1. Overemphasis on context: Some critics argue that New Historicists focus too much on the historical and cultural context of a text, and neglect the text's internal structures and meanings.
2. Lack of attention to authorial intention: New Historicists often prioritize the cultural and historical context of a text over the author's intentions, which can lead to a neglect of the author's role in shaping the text's meaning.
3. Overemphasis on power relations: Some critics argue that New Historicists focus too much on the ways in which power operates in a text, and neglect other important aspects of the text's meaning.

Overall, New Historicism is a critical approach that emphasizes the importance of understanding a text in its historical and cultural context. While it has been influential in shaping literary theory and criticism, it has also been subject to criticism and debate.