Historical and Biographical Approaches WR

Written Report
Topic: Historical and Biographical Approaches
Submitted by:
Danny Fe B. Masinadiong
BSED-ENGLISH (EDE3A)
Submitted to:
Nelson P. Pastolero, PhD.

Faculty, EL 117 (Literary Criticism)
Faculty of Teacher Education
Historical and Biographical Approaches

Historical approach and Biographical approach are both ways in which a literary
work can be better understood by recognizing the relevance of various contexts to the
work of literature under study. Its focus is on the life, times, and environment of the
author, and this approach deals with the effects of these factors on the work of art.
Most of literary works can be analyzed in the light of historical-biographical

method. This method was popularized by Matthew Arnold, a 19th-century critic, who
emphasized the importance of historical and biographical context in literary analysis.
A reader/a critic studies the work in accordance with the period in which the
work is produced. This approach is often associated with New Historicism, a literary
theory that emphasizes the interdependence of literature and historical context. Thus,
the values and perception of the reader’s own age are put aside is often attributed to
the concept of "reader-response theory" in literature.
Historical-Biographical approach establishes a bridge between the reader and the

world’s of the author. This idea is associated with the literary critic and scholar J.
Gerald Kennedy, who explored the relationship between an author's life and their
works.
In his book History of English Literature, French critic Hippolyte A. Taine (1823-
1893) suggests the phrase: race, milieu, moment
a) Race stands for “culture and history”
b) Milieu is “place”
c) Moment is “time”
Historical Approach
- examines the historical, social, political, and cultural contexts by studying the
surroundings in which the work is created.
- reviews works of literature through assessing the contexts of its history and the
audiences’ response at the time of release.
- assumes that the relationship between art and society is organic; views a literary
work in relation to the standards and social milieu of the period in which it was
produced.
Strategies for historical approach:

- Research the author's time (the political history, literary period, economic history,
cultural climate, philosophers of the time, and social environment).
- Research the time in which the story takes place.
- Research the characteristics of the literary period.
Questions to ask oneself when using historical approach:

- How does the work reflect the period in which it is written?
- What were the common themes and motifs in the literature of the time period?
- How important is the historical context to interpreting the work?
- What position is the author taking regarding the events or conditions of the time?
Biographical Approach
- is also another method that looks at the events of an author’s life to explain the
meaning in the author’s work.
- examines the effect and influence of the writer's own life and experiences on his
or her work. Understanding the writer's life and influences helps the reader
discover the author's intended meaning.
- assumes that by examining the facts and motives of an author’s life, the meaning
and intent of his/her literary work can be illuminated.
Strategies for Biographical Approach:

- Research the author's life
- Research the author's beliefs
Questions to ask oneself when using Biographical Approach:

- Are facts about the writer's life relevant to your understanding of the work?
- Are characters and incidents in the work versions of the writers own experiences?
- How do you think the writer's values are reflected in the work?
- How do the connections explain the author's purpose and the overall meaning of
the work
How to apply these two approach?

To effectively use the historical and biographical approach, consider the following
steps:
o Research the era - Understand the significant events, culture, and societal norms
of the time when the work was written.
o Study the author - Dive into author’s life, personal experiences and social
connections.
o Analyze the text – Look for connections between what you have learned and the
story.
Resources:
Guerin, Wilfred L., et al. A Handbook of Critical Approaches to Literature. New
York: Oxford UP, 2005.
Langdahl(2012). Biographical approach. Retrieved from
http://parkrose.orvsd.org/mod/resource/view.php?id=8862
Langdahl(2012). Historical approach. Retrieved from

http://parkrose.orvsd.org/mod/resource/view.php?id=9033

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Written Report

Topic: Historical and Biographical Approaches

Nelson P. Pastolero, PhD.

Faculty of Teacher Education

Historical and Biographical Approaches

Most of literary works can be analyzed in the light of historical-biographical

Historical-Biographical approach establishes a bridge between the reader and the

Strategies for historical approach:

Questions to ask oneself when using historical approach:

Strategies for Biographical Approach:

Questions to ask oneself when using Biographical Approach:

How to apply these two approach?

Langdahl(2012). Historical approach. Retrieved from

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