Introduction
John Crowe Ransom (1888-1974) was a prominent figure in American literary criticism and a founder of the New Criticism movement. His essay "Criticism, Inc." (1937) is a cornerstone document in the history of literary criticism, outlining the principles and objectives of New Criticism. Ransom's work emphasizes an objective, systematic approach to literary analysis, free from the influence of impressionistic, historical, linguistic, and moralistic methods. His students, such as Allen Tate, Cleanth Brooks, and Robert Penn Warren, further developed many of the key concepts that define New Criticism, including the technique of close reading.
I. The Business of Criticism
Ransom begins by discussing the state of literary criticism, arguing that it has been largely undertaken by amateurs lacking proper training. He identifies three types of "trained performers" who might appear suited for the role of critic: the artist, the philosopher, and the university teacher of literature.
- The Artist: Ransom believes that while an artist may have an intuitive understanding of art, this understanding is not dialectical or based on knowledge and facts. As D.H. Lawrence advised, "Never trust the artist. Trust the tale."
- The Philosopher: Philosophers understand the function of fine arts but often lack intimate familiarity with particular works, leading to broad generalizations.
- The University Teacher: University teachers should ideally take charge of criticism, but many have focused more on compiling data rather than offering literary judgments. Ransom criticizes the "atrocious" policies of English departments, arguing that they have become overly reliant on historical and linguistic studies, neglecting the aesthetic analysis of literature.
Ransom asserts that criticism should become more scientific, precise, and systematic, and that its proper place is within universities, where it can be developed through collective and sustained effort.
II. Professor Crane and Reforming English Studies
Ransom acknowledges Professor Ronald S. Crane of the University of Chicago, who advocated for a shift from historical scholarship to critical studies in English departments. Crane's article, "History Versus Criticism in the University Study of Literature," argued that students should study literature itself rather than merely its historical context. Ransom supports Crane's position, suggesting that English departments should focus on the aesthetic and critical examination of literary texts.
Ransom critiques other movements that have attempted to divert attention from historical studies:
- The New Humanism: This movement, led by figures like Paul Elmer More and Irving Babbitt, emphasized moral and ethical values in literature, rather than aesthetic ones. While New Humanism provided a refreshing change from historical studies, Ransom argues it was ultimately unliterary.
- Leftists/Proletarians: Like the New Humanists, Leftist critics focused on the ethical dimensions of literature, diverting attention from aesthetic considerations.
Ransom criticizes English departments for failing to establish an independent identity and for treating literature as a branch of history or ethics.
III. Appreciation and Historical Studies
Ransom discusses the role of "appreciation" in literary studies, distinguishing it from criticism. Appreciation is based on private perception and is intuitive, while criticism is public and systematic. He argues that historical studies, while indispensable for understanding older works, should be instrumental rather than ends in themselves. For example, understanding Chaucer's works requires historical context, but this should support rather than replace aesthetic analysis.
Ransom emphasizes the importance of engaging with literature as an artistic object, calling for public discussion and critical analysis. He criticizes the current state of English studies, where historical and linguistic scholarship dominate at the expense of aesthetic criticism.
IV. Defining Criticism
Ransom suggests that it is easier to define what criticism is not, rather than what it is, given its arbitrary and undefined nature. He lists six items that should be excluded from criticism:
1. Personal Registrations: Criticism should be objective, focusing on the nature of the work rather than its effect on the reader. Ransom criticizes Aristotle's concept of catharsis as being concerned with the audience's reaction rather than the work itself.
2. Synopsis and Paraphrase: Summarizing or paraphrasing a work is not criticism, as it does not engage with the work's aesthetic qualities.
3. Historical Studies: While valuable, historical studies should not overshadow the aesthetic analysis of literature.
4. Linguistic Studies: Understanding language and idioms is essential but does not constitute criticism.
5. Moral Studies: Evaluating literature based on moral standards is inadequate, as it ignores the work's aesthetic content.
6. Other Special Studies: Studies focusing on specific aspects, such as an author's knowledge of a particular field, should inform but not dominate criticism.
V. Technical Studies and the Role of the Critic
Ransom critiques Austin Warren's views on integrating historical and critical studies. He argues that criticism should function independently and be developed within academic institutions. Ransom advocates for technical studies in the art of poetry, examining elements such as meter, tropes, and poetic devices. He believes that poetry uses these devices to distance itself from prose and represent ideas that cannot be captured through prose alone.
Ransom argues that the poet's goal is to preserve a unique order of existence within the poem, protected from the reductive tendencies of practical life and science. The critic's role is to understand and analyze the poem's techniques and the aesthetic experience it offers.
Conclusion
"Criticism, Inc." by John Crowe Ransom is a foundational essay advocating for an objective, systematic approach to literary criticism, free from impressionistic, historical, linguistic, and moralistic influences. Ransom emphasizes the importance of aesthetic analysis and the need for criticism to be developed within academic institutions. His work laid the groundwork for the New Criticism movement, which continues to influence literary studies today.
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Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
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