Strengths & Weaknesses of Greenblatt’s Literary Approach

Question:

What strengths or weaknesses do you find in Greenblatt’s approach to understanding how works of literature are situated in their historical and cultural contexts? How might this idea influence the way literature is taught in college classrooms?

Description:

Greenblatt’s approach, known as New Historicism, emphasizes the importance of understanding literature within its historical and cultural contexts. A key strength of this approach is that it allows readers to see how a work of literature is influenced by the time and place in which it was created. By examining the social, political, and cultural factors that shaped a text, students can gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance. This method encourages a more comprehensive analysis, fostering critical thinking and helping students draw connections between literature and the real world.

However, a potential weakness is that it may sometimes lead to an overemphasis on context at the expense of the text itself. Critics argue that focusing too much on historical and cultural influences can detract from the literary qualities of a work, such as its language, form, and aesthetic value.

In college classrooms, Greenblatt’s approach could encourage a more interdisciplinary way of teaching literature, integrating history, sociology, and cultural studies into literary analysis. This can make the study of literature more engaging and relevant to students by showing how literature reflects and responds to the world around it. However, it might also challenge instructors to find a balance between contextual analysis and close reading of the text.

This question is an excellent opportunity to delve into the pros and cons of Greenblatt’s method, potentially attracting readers interested in literary theory, education, and interdisciplinary studies.