What is Formalism? | A Comprehensive Guide to Literary Criticism

Summary

In this video, Kieran delves into the intricacies of formalism, a literary criticism approach that emphasizes the text's intrinsic qualities over external influences. Originating in the early 20th century, formalism, closely linked to new criticism, advocates for close reading and the autonomy of the text. Key principles include the text's self-contained unity and defamiliarization, challenging readers' perceptions. The method's focus on narrative structure and literary devices significantly impacted literary criticism, though its limitations in context consideration and subjectivity are acknowledged.

Takeaways

• 📚 Formalism is a literary criticism style that focuses on the intrinsic qualities of a text, rather than external influences.
• 🌐 It emerged in the early 20th century, influenced by Russian formalism and developed by the New Critics in America.
• 🔍 The three main principles of formalism are autonomy, unity, and defamiliarization.
• 🧐 Autonomy suggests that a text should be studied as a self-contained entity, independent of external factors.
• 🔄 Unity emphasizes that every aspect of a work should contribute to a harmonious whole, creating a unified artistic expression.
• 👀 Defamiliarization is the idea of challenging readers' preconceived notions through the text, offering new perspectives.
• 🔎 Close reading is a key method used by formalists to analyze the structure, organization, and literary devices within a text.
• 🎨 Formalism is associated with modernism, sharing a focus on innovation and artistic expression.
• 🤔 Formalism has limitations, including its refusal to consider historical, societal, and political contexts that influence works.
• 👨‍🏫 Major figures in formalism include John Crow Ransom, Cleanth Brooks, T.S. Eliot, and Russian formalists like Victor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson.
• 📉 Formalism's subjectivity can lead to very niche and specific criticisms, which may not always be universally applicable.

Q & A

What is formalism in literary criticism?

Formalism is a style of literary criticism that focuses on the intrinsic qualities of a text, rather than external influences. It emerged in the early 20th century and is associated with new criticism in America and Russian formalism.

What are the three main principles of formalism?

The three main principles of formalism are autonomy, unity, and defamiliarization. Autonomy suggests that the text should be studied as a self-contained entity, unity emphasizes the harmonious functioning of all parts of a work, and defamiliarization encourages readers to experience the familiar in an unfamiliar way.

Who were some key figures in the development of Russian formalism?

Key figures in the development of Russian formalism include Victor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson.

How did the new critics in America adapt Russian formalist ideas?

The new critics in America, including John Crowe Ransom, Cleanth Brooks, and T.S. Eliot, adapted Russian formalist ideas by focusing on the intrinsic qualities of a text and the close reading of literary works.

What is meant by 'close reading' in the context of formalism?

Close reading in the context of formalism refers to the detailed examination of a text's form, structure, and poetic qualities, with the aim of understanding the work's meaning and artistic expression without reference to external contexts.

How does formalism relate to the concept of 'death of the author'?

Formalism's focus on the text itself, rather than the author's intent or external influences, aligns with the 'death of the author' concept, which suggests that the meaning of a text is independent of the author's personal experiences or intentions.

What is the significance of 'organic unity' in formalist analysis?

Organic unity in formalist analysis refers to the idea that every aspect of a work should contribute to a unified artistic expression, with all parts working together harmoniously to convey the work's overall idea.

What are some limitations of formalism as a critical approach?

Limitations of formalism include its refusal to consider historical, societal, and political contexts that often influence works, its highly subjective nature in evaluating literary techniques, and the potential for overly narrow and niche criticism.

How does formalism's focus on intrinsic qualities differ from other forms of literary criticism?

Formalism's focus on intrinsic qualities differs from other forms of literary criticism by disregarding external factors such as the author's biography, historical context, or socio-political influences, instead concentrating solely on the text's form and content.

What role do literary devices play in formalist analysis?

In formalist analysis, literary devices such as metaphor, imagery, and symbolism play a crucial role, as the mastery of these techniques by the author is seen as elevating the work and contributing to its intrinsic artistic value.

How has formalism influenced the field of literary criticism over time?

Formalism has had a profound effect on literary criticism, revolutionizing the way texts are analyzed and interpreted. Its legacy continues to be influential, shaping the discourse and methodologies used in literary studies even today.