Where do we go from here?

This semester of Critical Theory and the Academy has taught me one of the most important lessons I have learned in my entire study of English thus far. By having a chance to discover and explore a multiplicity of theories, I have now had the chance to recognize that I truly appreciate the one theory that started it all—Liberal Humanism. I would refrain from calling Liberal Humanism a theory, per se, but rather categorize it as the key component to interpreting literature, poetry, and other forms of aesthetic expression. It enables an individual to truly value a text without critical theory infringing on it or demeaning it in any way. Theory tends to do just the opposite of Liberal Humanism by acting as an intrusive influence against the context, and ultimately overpowering the reader’s viewpoint. A Marxist critic will perpetually think of the levels of class society and the unjust power of the hegemonic state in whichever text they come in contact with. Others, like Feminists, will think of the oppression of women and how or if they will conquer the phallocentric society in which they live. Post-structuralists, as always, are determined to dissect the center of the text and look beneath the surface to investigate what the “true” latent meaning is. All of these theorists, no matter what their school or their methodology, are practicing eisegesis—reading into texts. This can help us ask a lot of questions, but, in the end, does not enable us to understand or appreciate the essence of a work. The Association of Literary Scholars and Critics were founded by senior scholars Roger Shattuck, Robert Alter, and Christopher Ricks. My friend Richie who has personally studied with Christopher Ricks has introduced to the mission of ALSC: The Association of Literary Scholars and Critics promotes excellence in literary criticism and scholarship, and works to ensure that literature thrives in both scholarly and creative environments. We encourage the reading and writing of literature, criticism, and scholarship, as well as wide-ranging discussions among those committed to the reading and study of literary works.
I feel like there will be a counter-movement back to Liberal Humanism that insists on the word in literature and invites all students, not just those with a sophisticated critical vocabulary to a dialogue with authors that have contributed to our worldviews for centuries. A new New Criticism has the potential to breathe new life into a field that has, in many ways, alienated itself from many readers of literature.