Formalism literary criticism and example| Critical approach in literature

Summary

This video from 'Teaching Learning English' delves into formalism in literary criticism, emphasizing the importance of form over content. It outlines formalism's focus on literary elements such as style, structure, and imagery, which are intrinsic to the text. The video discusses the advantages of formalism, like enhancing understanding of writing techniques and developing close reading skills, while also pointing out its limitations, such as ignoring context and compatibility issues with certain texts. Using Robert Frost's 'The Road Not Taken' as an example, the video illustrates how to analyze literary devices and structure, providing viewers with a deeper appreciation of poetry.

Takeaways

• 📚 Formalism in literary criticism emphasizes the form of a literary work over its content, focusing on the internal elements of the text.
• 🎨 The formalist approach regards literature as a unique form of human knowledge that should be examined on its own terms, with all necessary elements contained within the work itself.
• 🔍 Formalism is particularly interested in elements of form such as style, structure, tone, imagery, and other literary devices found within the text.
• 🤔 The primary goal of formalist critics is to understand how these formal elements work together with the text's content to shape its effect on readers.
• 🌟 Formalism suggests that the form of a work of literature is inherently part of its content, making the examination of form crucial for understanding the work.
• 📚 The basic elements to look into in formalism include characters, setting, tone, point of view, diction, and other textual elements.
• 🏫 The formalist movement began in England with the publication of 'Practical Criticism' in 1929 and was later adapted by American critics.
• 👍 Advantages of formalism include a better understanding of the writer's techniques, suitability for analyzing poetry and short stories, emphasis on the text's value, and the development of close reading skills.
• 👎 Disadvantages include the potential for time-consuming analysis, ignoring of context, incompatibility with certain texts, and a tendency toward similar conclusions due to a focus on form.
• 🌰 An example given in the script is the analysis of Robert Frost's poem 'The Road Not Taken,' highlighting literary devices such as metaphor, simile, assonance, and personification.
• 📝 The script encourages viewers to practice close reading and analysis by identifying literary devices and structural elements in the poem, such as rhyme patterns and tone.

Q & A

What is the main focus of formalism in literary criticism?

Formalism in literary criticism focuses on the form of a literary work over its content, examining elements such as style, structure, tone, and imagery within the text itself.

What are the primary elements of interest to a formalist critique?

The primary elements of interest to a formalist critique include the elements of form such as style, structure, tone, imagery, and other literary devices found within the text.

How does formalism view the relationship between form and content in literature?

Formalism views the form of a work of literature as inherently part of its content, suggesting that the form and content work together to shape the effect of the work on readers.

What are some basic elements to look into when analyzing a text through formalism?

Basic elements to look into include characters, setting, tone, point of view, diction, and other textual elements that contribute to the work's form.

When did the formalist movement begin, and where did it originate?

The formalist movement began in England with the publication of 'Practical Criticism' in 1929, and it was later adapted by American critics.

What are some advantages of using formalism in literary analysis?

Advantages of formalism include a better understanding of the writer's techniques, suitability for analyzing poetry and short story fiction, emphasis on the text's value, and the development of close reading skills.

What are some disadvantages of the formalist approach to literary criticism?

Disadvantages include the potential for time-consuming analysis, ignoring of context, incompatibility with certain types of texts, and a tendency to produce similar conclusions due to the focus on form.

How does formalism differ from other literary approaches in terms of research required?

Formalism can be done without much research as it primarily focuses on the text's structure and literary devices, rather than requiring extensive contextual or historical information.

Can you provide an example of a poem analyzed through the lens of formalism?

An example is the poem 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost, which can be analyzed for its use of metaphor, simile, assonance, personification, structure, rhyme pattern, and tone.

What is the rhyme pattern of 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost?

The rhyme pattern of 'The Road Not Taken' is a b a b a b, which is a common pattern in traditional poetry.

What theme is explored in 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost, and how does it relate to the poem's structure and tone?

The theme of choices in life and the consequences of decision-making is explored in 'The Road Not Taken'. The reflective and pensive tone, along with the structured form, reinforces the theme by emphasizing the contemplative nature of making life choices.