Which term describes the American formalist movement emphasizing close reading over contextual studies?

Which term describes the American formalist movement emphasizing close reading over contextual studies?

• A. New Criticism
• B. Exposition
• C. Foreshadowing
• D. Soliloquy

Answer: (A)

New Criticism centers on close reading of the text itself, treating a literary work as an autonomous artifact whose meaning comes from its formal elements. It asks how imagery, metaphor, symbol, diction, syntax, and the overall structure work together to create unity and significance, rather than explaining the work through author intention, biographical details, or historical context. This approach emphasizes the internal relations within the text and how they generate meaning. The other options are not movements or devices that fit this description. Exposition refers to explaining or informing, not a method of literary analysis. Foreshadowing is a narrative device that hints at future events. Soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud.

New Criticism centers on close reading of the text itself, treating a literary work as an autonomous artifact whose meaning comes from its formal elements. It asks how imagery, metaphor, symbol, diction, syntax, and the overall structure work together to create unity and significance, rather than explaining the work through author intention, biographical details, or historical context. This approach emphasizes the internal relations within the text and how they generate meaning.

The other options are not movements or devices that fit this description. Exposition refers to explaining or informing, not a method of literary analysis. Foreshadowing is a narrative device that hints at future events. Soliloquy is a dramatic device where a character speaks their thoughts aloud.