Affective fallacy is a critical concept that suggests the emotional response a reader has to a text should not be considered a valid measure of its meaning or quality. This idea emphasizes the importance of focusing on the text itself, rather than the feelings it evokes in readers, and encourages an objective analysis of literary works. It stems from a rejection of the belief that subjective emotions can serve as a reliable basis for evaluating literature.
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The concept of affective fallacy was introduced by literary critics Wimsatt and Beardsley in their 1946 essay 'The Affective Fallacy.'
It argues that relying on emotional responses can lead to subjective interpretations, which may obscure the true meaning of a literary work.
The idea supports the principle that a literary work should stand on its own merit, independent of personal feelings or experiences.
Affective fallacy is closely associated with New Criticism, which prioritizes textual analysis over context or emotional engagement.
Critics of affective fallacy argue that emotional responses are essential to understanding literature and can provide valuable insights into a text's significance.
Review Questions
How does affective fallacy challenge traditional notions of interpreting literature?
Affective fallacy challenges traditional notions by asserting that emotional reactions should not dictate a work's meaning or value. This perspective shifts the focus from subjective reader responses to a more objective analysis of the text itself. By prioritizing textual evidence over personal feelings, affective fallacy encourages readers and critics to engage deeply with the structure, language, and themes present in literary works, ultimately aiming for a more consistent and universal interpretation.
In what ways does affective fallacy relate to the principles of New Criticism?
Affective fallacy is closely tied to New Criticism in that both emphasize the importance of analyzing the text independently from external factors such as authorial intent or emotional responses. New Critics advocate for close reading, focusing solely on what is present in the text, while rejecting personal interpretations based on individual feelings. This creates a framework where the integrity of the literary work is maintained through objective examination rather than subjective experiences.
Evaluate the implications of accepting or rejecting the concept of affective fallacy in literary criticism.
Accepting affective fallacy leads to a more structured approach in literary criticism, promoting objective analyses that prioritize textual elements over personal emotions. This can yield consistent interpretations across different readers but may overlook the richness that emotional responses bring to understanding literature. Conversely, rejecting it allows for a broader scope that embraces diverse perspectives and acknowledges how personal experiences shape readings. This acceptance can enhance appreciation for literature's ability to evoke feelings but risks leading to subjective interpretations that vary widely among readers.
Related terms
New Criticism: A formalist approach to literary criticism that emphasizes close reading and analysis of the text itself, disregarding authorial intent and reader response.
Intentional Fallacy: The belief that a reader's understanding of a text should be based on the author's intentions, which can lead to misinterpretations and distract from the text's inherent meaning.
Close Reading: A method of literary analysis that involves careful, detailed examination of a text to uncover deeper meanings and themes, often associated with formalist approaches.