Critical Essay on Murray Krieger’s The New Apologists for Poetry

     Critical Essay on Murray Krieger’s   The New Apologists for Poetry

Introduction

Murray Krieger’s The New Apologists for Poetry (1956) is a seminal work that redefines the role of poetry in a postmodern literary landscape. Building upon the foundations of New Criticism, Krieger advances the discourse surrounding poetic autonomy and the ontological importance of literature. This critical essay examines the central arguments of Krieger’s work, evaluates its relevance to contemporary literary criticism, and explores its implications for the study of poetry as a unique mode of human expression.

The Defense of Poetic Autonomy

Krieger’s primary objective in The New Apologists for Poetry is to champion the autonomy of poetry against the encroachment of extrinsic disciplines such as history, sociology, and science. He positions poetry as an art form that transcends utilitarian concerns, asserting its self-contained nature and capacity to evoke universal truths. Drawing on the principles of New Criticism, Krieger emphasizes the “organic unity” of a poem, where every element—form, structure, imagery, and rhythm—contributes to an integrated whole.

This defense of poetry as an autonomous artifact represents a rebuttal to positivist tendencies in mid-20^th century criticism. By isolating poetry from external influences, Krieger argues that it achieves a unique epistemological status, offering insights into human experience that are inaccessible through other forms of knowledge. This perspective is deeply rooted in Romantic ideals, particularly those of Coleridge and Shelley, who celebrated the transformative power of poetic imagination.

Poetic Tension and Ambiguity

A key concept in Krieger’s argument is the idea of tension and ambiguity within poetry. Following the lead of critics like Cleanth Brooks and William Empson, Krieger identifies ambiguity as a defining characteristic of poetic language. Poetry, according to Krieger, thrives on the multiplicity of meanings, enabling readers to engage with the text on various levels. This polysemy not only enriches the interpretive experience but also highlights the limitations of reductive, single-layered readings.

Krieger’s emphasis on tension as a dynamic force within poetry resonates with the works of earlier theorists, particularly T.S. Eliot. For Krieger, the interplay of conflicting ideas, emotions, and symbols within a poem mirrors the complexity of human existence. This perspective aligns poetry with existential and phenomenological philosophies, suggesting that its value lies in its ability to confront and articulate the paradoxes of life.

Poetic Imagination and Aesthetic Experience

Central to Krieger’s thesis is the celebration of poetic imagination as a distinct mode of perception. He contends that poetry creates an “aesthetic space” wherein the ordinary world is transformed into something extraordinary. This act of transformation is not merely decorative but profoundly ontological, offering a way of knowing that is both intuitive and transcendent. By insisting on the primacy of aesthetic experience, Krieger situates poetry at the heart of human culture, as an essential medium for exploring the ineffable.

This celebration of imagination recalls the Romantic tradition while simultaneously engaging with modernist concerns about the fragmentation of meaning. Krieger’s work can be seen as a bridge between these two eras, affirming the continued relevance of poetic expression in a rapidly changing world.

Relevance to Contemporary Criticism

Krieger’s The New Apologists for Poetry remains a pivotal text in the field of literary theory. His insistence on the autonomy and aesthetic significance of poetry has influenced subsequent movements, including reader-response criticism and deconstruction. However, his ideas have also been challenged by postmodern and poststructuralist critics, who question the notion of a self-contained poetic artifact and emphasize the intertextual nature of all literature.

In today’s critical landscape, Krieger’s work prompts important questions about the role of poetry in a world increasingly dominated by pragmatic and technological concerns. His arguments for the unique epistemological value of poetry resonate in debates about the humanities’ relevance in a STEM-oriented culture. While some may view his celebration of poetic autonomy as idealistic, it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring need for aesthetic and imaginative engagement.

Conclusion

Murray Krieger’s The New Apologists for Poetry is a landmark contribution to the defense of poetry as a distinct and vital art form. By championing the autonomy of poetry and its capacity to reveal universal truths, Krieger reaffirms its place within the broader intellectual and cultural discourse. While his arguments may be situated within the context of mid-20th-century criticism, their implications extend far beyond, offering timeless insights into the power of poetic imagination. As literary scholars continue to navigate the challenges of an evolving cultural landscape, Krieger’s work remains a beacon, illuminating the unique value of poetry in the pursuit of human understanding.

*****