Formalist approach

Definition

The formalist approach is a method of literary criticism that focuses on the structure, style, and form of a text rather than its content or context. This approach emphasizes close reading and analysis of elements like language, imagery, symbolism, and narrative techniques to uncover the meanings and effects created within the work itself. By prioritizing the text's internal characteristics, the formalist approach allows for a deeper understanding of how form shapes meaning across various genres.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The formalist approach emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against biographical and historical criticism that emphasized context over form.
2. Formalist critics argue that a text should be analyzed based solely on its inherent qualities without considering external factors like author intent or social context.
3. This approach is particularly effective in analyzing poetry and fiction, where language and structure play critical roles in shaping meaning.
4. Key figures in formalism include Russian Formalists like Viktor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson, who introduced concepts such as 'defamiliarization' to understand how art transforms perception.
5. The formalist approach continues to influence literary criticism today, encouraging readers to engage closely with texts and appreciate the artistry of language and form.

Review Questions

• How does the formalist approach differ from other literary criticism methods when analyzing a text?
  • The formalist approach stands apart from other literary criticism methods by focusing solely on the text itself—its structure, style, and form—while ignoring external influences like historical context or authorial intent. In contrast to biographical or contextual critiques that consider background information and societal factors, formalism promotes a close reading that examines elements such as language and narrative techniques. This method enables critics to reveal how these textual features contribute to meaning within the work.
• Discuss the importance of 'close reading' within the framework of the formalist approach.
  • 'Close reading' is essential in the formalist approach as it allows critics to thoroughly analyze the intricacies of a text's language and structure. By examining specific word choices, imagery, rhythm, and narrative devices, close reading uncovers deeper meanings that might be overlooked in broader contextual analyses. This method encourages readers to engage intimately with the text, revealing how its formal elements work together to create an aesthetic experience and convey significance.
• Evaluate how the principles of the formalist approach can enhance our understanding of different literary genres.
  • The principles of the formalist approach can greatly enhance our understanding of various literary genres by emphasizing how specific forms and structures relate to genre conventions. For instance, when analyzing poetry, the focus on meter, rhyme schemes, and imagery can highlight how these elements affect emotional impact. In prose, attention to narrative techniques such as point of view or dialogue can illuminate how a story's structure shapes reader interpretation. By applying formalist principles across genres, we gain insights into how form not only conveys meaning but also defines genre characteristics.

Related terms

Close Reading:

A careful and detailed analysis of a text that pays close attention to the language, structure, and meaning of the work.

Structuralism:

A theoretical approach that examines the underlying structures in cultural phenomena, including literature, to understand their significance.

Literary Devices: Techniques used by authors to convey meaning, create effects, and enhance their storytelling, such as metaphor, alliteration, and foreshadowing.