The correct answer is 3. R.S. Crane because he is a central figure in the Neo-Aristotelian movement, specifically associated with the Chicago School of criticism. This school of thought, also known as Neo-Aristotelian criticism, was developed in the mid-20th century and focused on applying Aristotelian principles to literary criticism, particularly around structure, genre, and rhetoric.
Here's a breakdown of why the others do not fit:
R.P. Blackmur – Known more for his work in New Criticism, which emphasizes close reading and textual analysis rather than the broader structural and rhetorical focus of Neo-Aristotelianism.
John Crowe Ransom – A key figure in New Criticism as well, with a focus on analyzing literary texts independently of external contexts like author biography or historical background.
Lionel Trilling – Known as a literary and cultural critic rather than a Neo-Aristotelian. His work was more concerned with the ethical and social dimensions of literature than with Neo-Aristotelian principles.
Thus, R.S. Crane is the correct answer because he directly contributed to the Neo-Aristotelian approach and the development of the Chicago School of literary criticism.