Defamiliarization

Definition

Defamiliarization is a literary technique that presents familiar concepts, objects, or experiences in a new light, making them appear strange or unusual. This approach encourages readers to reconsider their preconceived notions and enhances their engagement by forcing them to see the world from a different perspective. It often serves as a means for experimental and avant-garde poetry to challenge norms and provoke thought.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Defamiliarization originated in the early 20th century, with Russian formalist theorists like Viktor Shklovsky arguing it was essential for art to renew perception.
2. This technique is commonly found in modern poetry, where familiar themes are presented through unusual language or imagery to disrupt the reader's expectations.
3. Defamiliarization often challenges readers' cognitive biases by reframing ordinary experiences, making them feel fresh and encouraging deeper contemplation.
4. Many avant-garde poets utilize defamiliarization as a way to critique societal norms, pushing against traditional forms and meanings.
5. The effect of defamiliarization can lead to a heightened emotional response from readers, fostering a greater connection with the text and its themes.

Review Questions

• How does defamiliarization function as a technique in experimental poetry?
  • In experimental poetry, defamiliarization functions by presenting common themes or images in unexpected ways, which forces readers to rethink their initial perceptions. This technique disrupts normal interpretations, inviting readers to engage more deeply with the text and consider its underlying messages. By making the familiar seem strange, poets can highlight social issues or personal experiences in a way that encourages critical thought and reflection.
• Discuss how defamiliarization contributes to the themes of avant-garde poetry and its cultural critique.
  • Defamiliarization contributes to avant-garde poetry by allowing poets to question and challenge societal norms through unconventional forms and language. This technique creates a space for radical ideas and perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked. By reframing familiar concepts in unfamiliar ways, poets can reveal underlying cultural assumptions, prompting readers to engage in a dialogue about the meanings and values prevalent in society.
• Evaluate the role of defamiliarization in shaping readers' experiences with modern literature and its implications for understanding reality.
  • Defamiliarization plays a crucial role in shaping readers' experiences with modern literature by encouraging them to question their assumptions about reality. Through this technique, literature can present everyday life as something worthy of scrutiny and reflection. The implications are significant; as readers are prompted to see the world differently, they gain insights into their own perceptions and beliefs. This transformation can foster a deeper understanding of complex social issues, ultimately enriching the reader's engagement with literature and life itself.

Related terms

Estrangement Effect: A technique used in literature and theater that aims to make the familiar seem strange, thus prompting audiences to question reality and conventional beliefs.

Surrealism: An artistic movement that seeks to unlock the unconscious mind by juxtaposing bizarre images and ideas, often creating a sense of defamiliarization.

Metafiction: A form of fiction that self-consciously addresses the devices of fiction, thereby drawing attention to its own fictional nature and creating a sense of estrangement for the reader.