Historical context of why a poem was written.

[RainKing]

Today in class, a girl said that we SHOULD NOT look at the historical context in which a poem was written in determing the poem's theme or meaning. Was just wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this? Personally, I feel that knowing the situation or time in which a piece is written can add a lot of insight into what is occurring within the text. For example, while reading "Stopping by Woods..." by Frost, I learned that poem was written close to Christmas time. Apparently Frost had gone into town to sell eggs (in order to buy X-mas gifts) and was turned away. He was unable to get his children anything. So the story goes, this moment of his life affected him until his death.

Just curious.

Chip

[JohnBoddie]

Knowledge of the events and times that influenced an author is a critical element in understanding the author's body of work as a whole, but less so in appreciating a single poem. Nevertheless, a specific poem may have circumstances associated with it that can add insight to the author's intent and this is generally to the good.

Always remember, however, that the reading experience is yours. The reading experience occurs in a context of your prior knowledge and experience. The richer that context, the more you are able to appreciate a poem.

The "girl in your class" is exhibiting certainty untempered by experience. Your instinct to discount her statements is a good one.

JB

[Julie]

What John said.

Julie

[Harry Rutherford]

I always think it seems silly to reject information or knowledge on the basis of a half-baked critical principle.

This is not because I think that an author's biography is crucial to appreciating their work; but hey, it's often interesting in its own right.

Never avoid knowledge, that's my cracker motto for the day.

Harry

[greenleaff]

Hi Rain King,
Harry is right on. The girl in your class, knowingly or not, is giving you a formalist take on how to read poetry. Formalism, in a nutshell, says that a poem's one true meaning can be found through close reading and that nothing outside the poem matters. While a close reading is important, the historical and even intimate context in which a poem is written are important, but some people find this idea dangerous and subversive! The girl in your class, like most of us, still has much to learn.

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leaff

[JohnBoddie]

The preceding may be the oddest definition of formalism I've encountered.

JB