Meaning: This quote from Clifford Geertz, a prominent cultural anthropologist, provides insight into his intellectual background and influences. Geertz was trained as a New Critic, a literary theory and method that emerged in the 1940s and 1950s. New Criticism emphasized close reading of texts, focusing on the formal elements of literature such as structure, language, and symbolism, rather than extrinsic factors like historical context or authorial intent.

When Geertz mentions being trained in the '50s as a New Critic, he is likely referring to his education and early academic development during this period. This training would have involved immersion in the principles of New Criticism, which were influential in shaping literary studies and critical theory at the time. The New Critics sought to elevate the study of literature to a more rigorous and disciplined level, emphasizing the autonomy of the literary work and the importance of textual analysis.

Geertz's reference to the state of literature before the New Critics is also significant. He alludes to a time when literary discussions were more focused on abstract and metaphysical concepts, such as the "soul" of a poem or the emotional resonance of a literary work. This reflects a more subjective and interpretive approach to literature that was prevalent before the rise of New Criticism. New Critics sought to move away from such subjective interpretations and instead promote a more systematic and formalist approach to literary analysis.

The quote also hints at the broader intellectual and cultural shifts that were taking place in the mid-20th century. The emergence of New Criticism marked a departure from earlier literary theories and approaches, signaling a shift towards more rigorous and methodical modes of analysis. This shift was part of a larger trend in academia towards formalism and structuralism, which sought to establish more objective and systematic methods of studying cultural artifacts.

It is important to note that while Geertz was trained as a New Critic, he ultimately became best known for his work in cultural anthropology, particularly for his influential theories of symbolic anthropology and interpretive anthropology. Geertz's approach to studying cultures and societies was heavily influenced by his early training as a New Critic, as he applied the principles of close reading and textual analysis to the interpretation of cultural symbols and rituals.

Overall, this quote from Clifford Geertz provides a glimpse into his intellectual background and the influence of New Criticism on his academic formation. It also offers insight into the broader shifts in literary theory and cultural analysis during the mid-20th century, shedding light on the evolving methods and approaches to the study of literature and culture.