(Lethbridge Undergradulate Research Journal, 2006-04) Butler, Glenn W.
New Criticism emerged in the early twentieth century from a field of
literary theory dominated by Marxism and Impressionism; it rejected both
of these from its start. In a bold statement of purpose, J.E. Spingarn
sketched out the essence of New Criticism when he strongly emphasized
the need for literary theory to return to literature as its basis and its
particular context, rather than bringing in outside, non-literary interests.
Despite some noted New Critics adhering to this principle less consistently
than others, New Criticism itself gained adherents quickly and eventually
grew to dominate literary theory.