Historical and Biographical Approaches
Introduction
The Historical and Biographical approaches to literature allow readers to contextualize a literary work within its specific historical moment and the life of its author. Wilfred Guerin and his co-editors emphasize that understanding the time period and the author's life can deepen our understanding of the text, revealing hidden layers of meaning that may not be immediately apparent. These approaches suggest that literary works are not created in isolation but are influenced by the social, political, and cultural forces of their time. This essay will explore how Guerin’s model of the Historical and Biographical approaches (I, IIA, IIB) can be applied to literary analysis, using examples from Shakespeare’s Hamlet and Andrew Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress.
Historical Approach (I)
The Historical Approach examines how a text is shaped by the time in which it was written. It explores the influence of the social, cultural, and political environment on the work, as well as the author’s responses to contemporary events. By placing a literary work in its historical context, readers can understand the underlying messages that might not be obvious without knowledge of the time period.
In Hamlet, for example, understanding the historical context of Elizabethan England provides insight into Hamlet’s preoccupation with power and succession. The play was written during a period of political uncertainty in England, with concerns over who would inherit the throne after Elizabeth I. Similarly, To His Coy Mistress reflects the political and social anxieties of 17th-century England, particularly concerning the brevity of life and the pressure to seize the moment (carpe diem) due to the looming political instability of the time.
Main Body
Biographical Approach (IIA)
The Biographical Approach involves examining the life of the author to understand how their personal experiences and background influence their work. By exploring the writer’s life, readers gain insights into the motivations behind their writing, the themes they explore, and the stylistic choices they make. Guerin’s analysis suggests that knowing the author’s life experiences can provide a deeper understanding of their works.
Example from Hamlet:
Shakespeare’s Hamlet was written after the death of his only son, Hamnet, in 1596. This personal tragedy likely influenced the play’s exploration of death, grief, and loss. Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, “To be or not to be: that is the question” (Act 3, Scene 1), can be seen as a reflection of Shakespeare’s personal contemplation of life and death after losing his son. The existential nature of the soliloquy echoes the emotional turmoil Shakespeare himself may have experienced.
Example from To His Coy Mistress:
Andrew Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress can also be analyzed through the Biographical Approach. Marvell’s position as a parliamentarian and a poet during the English Civil War shaped his views on time and urgency. The line “Had we but world enough, and time, / This coyness, lady, were no crime” (lines 1-2) reflects not only the carpe diem theme but also Marvell’s awareness of the fleeting nature of life, possibly shaped by the political upheaval and personal uncertainties of his era.
Historical Context (IIB)
The second part of the Biographical Approach (IIB) focuses on how the historical context of the author’s life influences the themes and concerns of their work. This aspect of the approach goes beyond the author’s personal experiences and examines the broader historical events that shaped their worldview.
Example from Hamlet:
The historical context of Elizabethan England, particularly its concerns over monarchy and succession, permeates Hamlet. The uncertainty of who would succeed Elizabeth I, given her lack of an heir, mirrors the theme of political instability in the play. The line “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark” (Act 1, Scene 4) reflects the general sense of decay and disorder that many in England felt about their own political future.
Example from To His Coy Mistress:
In To His Coy Mistress, the historical context of the English Civil War and the interregnum period shapes the urgency of Marvell’s plea for immediate action. The fear of political instability and the destruction of the old order likely informed Marvell’s reflection on the shortness of life. The line “But at my back I always hear / Time’s wingèd chariot hurrying near” (lines 21-22) can be interpreted as a response to the political chaos of the time, with time personified as a force that pushes individuals to make the most of their lives before inevitable societal collapse.
Integration of Historical and Biographical Approaches
One of the strengths of Guerin’s framework is the ability to integrate both the Historical and Biographical approaches to create a fuller picture of the literary text. By combining insights into the author’s personal life with an understanding of the historical period, readers can gain a deeper understanding of how the text reflects both individual and collective experiences.
Example from Hamlet:
In Hamlet, the integration of Shakespeare’s personal grief over his son’s death and the political uncertainty of Elizabethan England can be seen in the complex portrayal of Hamlet’s character. Hamlet’s introspection and contemplation of mortality are not just personal but are also reflections of larger concerns about the fragility of life and the instability of political power.
Example from To His Coy Mistress:
In To His Coy Mistress, Marvell’s personal experience as a politician during a time of war and social unrest adds another layer to the poem’s carpe diem theme. His sense of urgency to “seize the day” is not just a reflection of romantic desire but also a response to the instability and unpredictability of life during a time of political upheaval.
Conclusion
The Historical and Biographical Approaches, as discussed by Wilfred Guerin et al., provide valuable tools for understanding literature. By considering both the historical context and the personal experiences of the author, readers can gain insights into the themes, characters, and messages of a text that may not be immediately apparent. In the case of Hamlet, Shakespeare’s personal grief and the political uncertainty of his time come together to create a powerful meditation on life, death, and power. Similarly, Marvell’s To His Coy Mistress reflects both his personal experiences and the larger social and political anxieties of 17th-century England. Through these approaches, literature can be understood as both a product of its time and a reflection of the author’s individual experiences.
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