Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom
Summary of the essay | Criticism, Inc | by John Crowe Ransom 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...