The correct answer is 3: A, C, and E (Tension, Irony, and Paradox) because these terms are indeed integral to New Criticism, a school of literary theory that focuses on closely analyzing the text itself rather than external factors like author biography or historical context. Let’s break down why each term in option 3 is relevant:
Tension: In New Criticism, tension refers to the conflict between different elements within a text, such as between form and content, or between different meanings. This tension is crucial for creating the complex, layered meaning that New Critics seek to uncover.
Irony: New Critics regard irony as essential to understanding the subtleties of a literary text. Irony creates layers of meaning by expressing something different from or opposite to the literal meaning, revealing complexities within the work.
Paradox: Paradox is a key concept for New Criticism because it represents contradictory ideas that coexist within a text, which New Critics believe creates deeper meaning. The presence of paradox in a literary work forces readers to think beyond straightforward interpretations.
Now, let’s examine why the other terms don’t fit with New Criticism:
Mirror Stage: This concept is from Lacanian psychoanalysis rather than New Criticism. It describes a phase in child development where an infant recognizes themselves in a mirror, which is unrelated to text-based analysis.
Polyphony: This term is associated with Mikhail Bakhtin’s theories, especially in the context of dialogism in novels, meaning multiple voices or perspectives. Bakhtin’s polyphonic approach contrasts with New Criticism’s focus on a singular, unified textual meaning.
Thus, the correct answer is 3: A, C, and E.
Year-wise PYQs
