Final answer:
Robert Penn Warren, born in Kentucky, was an influential figure in the Southern Literary Renaissance and a founder of 'New Criticism', significantly impacting American literature through his innovative work and contributions to MFA programs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Robert Penn Warren, a key figure in the Southern Literary Renaissance, was born in southern Kentucky and is renowned for his work which often reflects on the complexities of history through the lens of the American South. Engaging deeply with the lessons of history, Warren, a literary founder of 'New Criticism', emphasized analyzing literature as an autonomous object, divorced from historical context or authorial intent. Besides his critical theories, he was also a pivotal figure in American letters, fostering a movement that celebrated Southern culture's diversity and innovation.
Warren stood alongside contemporaries such as William Faulkner, Eudora Welty, and Flannery O'Connor, contributing to a pivotal shift in Southern literature from the idyllic depictions of the past to more nuanced and introspective explorations of Southern life. The innovation in Southern literature continued post-World War II, manifesting not only in fiction but also, in drama with Tennessee Williams and in the amalgamation of philosophy and fiction with Walker Percy. Warren's influence extended beyond his writing, as he played a significant role in shaping early MFA programs, setting standards in creative writing through his influential texts and teaching.
The Southern Literary Renaissance, which Warren helped to propel, marked a departure from the nostalgic 'moonlight and magnolias' tradition and ventured into creating a body of work that reflected the rigorous experiences of the South amid social and cultural shifts. Warren's contributions to literature and criticism remain hallmark features of this transformative period in American writing.