Formalism
The Proponent of Formalism
The name formalism refers to a number of theoretical propositions and ideas put forth by
several scholars and critics. It is difficult to nominate a single person as the father of formalist
literary theory, but prominent thinkers include Viktor Shklovsky, Roman Jakobson, Boris
Tomashevsky, and Boris Eichenbaum.
Short Background of Formalism
Arose to prominence in the early twentieth century as a reaction against Romanticism theories
of literature, which centered on the artist and individual creative genius.
What is Formalism?
Formalism is a type of literary theory and criticism that focuses on the stylistic purity of a work of
literature rather than its social contexts and authorial intent. According to formalism, it is
possible to interpret a text without having any information on its author or its social or historical
background.
Formalism is primarily a way of interpreting literature but it is possible to trace the use of literary
techniques such as defamiliarization and foregrounding in fiction and poetry. Writers use these
devices to manipulate the written word so as to achieve a certain effect on readers.
Key Concepts of Formalism:
Focus on the Text:
Formalism emphasizes the text itself as a self-contained entity, ignoring the author's biography,
historical context, or social implications
Analysis of Form:
Formalists analyze the structure, language, and literary devices used in a text, such as
grammar, syntax, rhythm, rhyme, imagery, and metaphor.
Literariness:
Formalists examine what makes a text "literary" or "poetic," focusing on the unique properties of
literary language.
Defamiliarization:
A key concept, especially in Russian formalism, is "defamiliarization," where ordinary things are
presented in a new or unfamiliar way to enhance perception.
New Criticism:
A related approach, New Criticism, focuses on the close reading of a text to identify its internal
coherence and meaning.
Why is it needed in Literature?
Formalism in literature is needed because it encourages a focused, in-depth analysis of a text's
internal structure and elements, like language, form, and literary devices, helping to understand
how these elements work together to create meaning and effect.
Formalism also aims to create a scientific way of reading and interpreting literature based on
linguistic components and literary techniques.
How is this applied in Reading Literature?
Formalism is a type of literary theory and criticism that focuses on the stylistic purity of a work of
literature rather than its social contexts and authorial intent. According to formalism, it is
possible to interpret a text without having any information on its author or its social or historical
background.
Formalism in literary analysis is needed to focus on the inherent features and structure of a text,
like language, style, and literary devices, rather than external factors like author's life or
historical context, to understand how these elements create meaning.
Example:
How Do I Love Thee?
By: Elizabeth Barrett Browning
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of being and ideal grace.
I love thee to the level of every day’s
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for right.
I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.
I love thee with the passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
