Formalism Literary Theory : Definition , Major Theorists (Free Guide)
Formalism Literary Theory : Definition , Major Theorists (Free Guide) Literary theory is a crucial aspect of literature that deals
with the principles, practices, and assumptions underlying the study of
literature. Formalism is one of the most significant literary theories that
emerged in the early 20th century, emphasizing the importance of form over
content in literature. In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of
formalism literary theory, exploring its key concepts, origins, and
applications in the literary world.
Introduction
Formalism, also known as Russian formalism, is a literary
theory that emphasizes the importance of form over content in literature.
According to formalists, the form of a literary work is more significant than
its content, as it determines how the work is perceived and experienced by the
reader. Formalism emerged in the early 20th century in Russia and quickly
gained popularity, influencing literary criticism and theory worldwide.
What is formalism
literary theory?
Formalism is a literary theory that originated in Russia in
the early 20th century. It emphasizes the importance of the form or structure
of a literary work over its content or subject matter. Formalism Literary Theory : Definition , Major Theorists (Free Guide) Formalists believe that
the elements of a literary work, such as its language, style, and form, are
what give the work its meaning and significance. They argue that literary works
should be analyzed based on their internal structures, rather than external
factors such as the author's biography or historical context.
Formalism places a particular emphasis on the way language is
used in literature. Formalists argue that literary language should be distinct
from everyday language, and that writers should use language in creative and
innovative ways. They believe that literary works should challenge readers'
expectations and perceptions of the world, and that this is best achieved
through the use of unusual or defamiliarized language.
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Formalist analysis involves close reading of the text, paying
careful attention to the details of its form and structure. Formalists identify
the various formal elements of a literary work, such as its plot,
characterization, imagery, and symbolism, and analyze how these elements work
together to create the overall effect of the work. They also consider the ways
in which a work's form and structure reflect its historical and cultural
context.
Despite its focus on form, formalism is not entirely divorced
from content. Formalists believe that the form of a literary work is intimately
connected to its content, and that the two cannot be separated. They argue that
a work's form shapes the way its content is perceived and experienced by
readers, and that this is a crucial part of its overall meaning and effect. Formalism Literary Theory : Definition , Major Theorists (Free Guide).
While formalism was once a dominant approach in literary
studies, it has been criticized for its narrow focus on form and its neglect of
social and historical context. However, many contemporary literary scholars
have adapted formalist principles and combined them with other literary
theories to produce innovative and comprehensive analyses of literary works.
Origins of
Formalism
Formalism emerged in the early 20th century in Russia, a time
when the country was going through significant political and cultural changes.
Russian formalists, led by Viktor Shklovsky, Boris Eichenbaum, and Roman
Jakobson, sought to develop a new approach to the study of literature that was
not based on traditional literary criticism but on scientific principles.
Key Concepts of
Formalism
Formalism is based on several key concepts that are central
to its approach to literary analysis. These concepts include formal structures,
defamiliarization, and autotelism.
Formal
Structures
Formal structures refer to the patterns, structures, and
elements that make up a literary work. Formalists argue that these structures
are more significant than the content of the work, as they determine how the
work is experienced by the reader. Formal structures include elements such as
plot, character, setting, point of view, and style.
Defamiliarization
Defamiliarization refers to the process of making the
familiar unfamiliar in literary works. Formalists argue that literary works
should challenge the reader's preconceived notions and expectations,
encouraging them to look at the world in a new way. Defamiliarization is
achieved through the use of literary devices such as metaphor, simile, and
personification.
Autotelism
Autotelism refers to the idea that literary works are
valuable in and of themselves, rather than serving a specific purpose or
function. Formalists argue that literary works should be appreciated for their
artistic and aesthetic qualities, rather than their moral or political
messages.
Formalism theorists
Formalism was a literary theory that emerged in Russia in the
early 20th century, and a number of prominent theorists played key roles in its
development. Here are some of the most important formalism theorists:
Viktor Shklovsky - Shklovsky is often considered the founder
of formalism, and his influential essay "Art as Technique" helped to
establish the principles of formalist literary theory. He emphasized the
importance of defamiliarization, or making the familiar strange, as a way of
creating new and innovative forms of art.
Roman Jakobson - Jakobson was a linguist and literary
theorist who was instrumental in the development of formalism. He emphasized
the importance of language in literature, and argued that literary works could
be analyzed in terms of their linguistic structures and devices.
Boris Eichenbaum - Eichenbaum was another key formalist
theorist who wrote extensively on the principles of formalist literary
analysis. He argued that literary works should be studied in their own right,
rather than in terms of their historical or biographical contexts.
Vladimir Propp - Propp was a folklorist who applied formalist
principles to the study of folklore and fairy tales. He developed the concept
of the "morphology of the folktale," which analyzed the recurring
patterns and structures of traditional stories.
Yuri Tynyanov - Tynyanov was a literary historian and
theorist who was also closely associated with formalism. He emphasized the
importance of studying the development of literary genres over time, and argued
that the formal properties of a work could reveal important insights into its
historical context.
Formalism in
Practice
Formalism is applied in literary analysis in several ways,
including the analysis of literary works and criticism of formalism.
Formalists analyze literary works by focusing on their formal
structures, rather than their content. They look at the patterns, structures,
and elements that make up the work and how they contribute to the work's
overall meaning and effect. Formalist analysis can provide insight into the way
literary works are constructed and experienced by readers.
Criticism of
Formalism
Formalism has been criticized by some literary scholars and
critics for its narrow focus on formal structures and its neglect of content.
Critics argue that literary works are not only made up of formal structures but
also have significant social, historical, and cultural contexts that should be
considered in literary analysis.
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Conclusion
Formalism is a significant literary theory that emphasizes
the importance of form over content in literature. Its key concepts of formal
structures, defamiliarization, and autotelism have influenced literary analysis
and criticism for over a century. Although formalism has been criticized for
its narrow focus on form, it remains a valuable tool for understanding the
construction and experience of literary works.
FAQs
What
is formalism in literature?
Formalism is a literary theory that emphasizes the importance
of form over content in literature. It focuses on the patterns, structures, and
elements that make up a literary work and how they contribute to its overall
meaning and effect.
Who
developed formalism?
Formalism was developed by a group of Russian literary
scholars, including Viktor Shklovsky, Boris Eichenbaum, and Roman Jakobson, in
the early 20th century.
What is defamiliarization in formalism? Defamiliarization is
the process of making the familiar unfamiliar in literary works. Formalists
argue that literary works should challenge the reader's preconceived notions
and expectations, encouraging them to look at the world in a new way.
How
is formalism applied in literary analysis?
Formalists analyze literary works by focusing on their formal
structures, rather than their content. They look at the patterns, structures,
and elements that make up the work and how they contribute to the work's
overall meaning and effect.
Is
formalism still relevant today?
Yes, formalism is still relevant today, and its principles
have been adapted and combined with other literary theories to produce
innovative and comprehensive analyses of literary works.
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