Uncovering the Historical Significance of Formalist Criticism in Literary Analysis

Uncovering the Historical Significance of Formalist Criticism in Literary Analysis

Formalist criticism in literary analysis is an approach that emphasizes the form and structure of a literary work rather than its content or historical context. It is an objective approach that focuses on the literary work as a self-contained entity, independent of its author, the reader, or any external factors.

The origins of formalist criticism can be traced back to the Russian formalists, a group of literary scholars who emerged in the early 20th century. They were interested in the formal properties of literature, such as rhythm, meter, rhyme, plot, and characterization, which they believed were crucial in determining the literary value of a work.

One of the key figures of the Russian formalists was Viktor Shklovsky, who coined the term “defamiliarization” to describe the process by which literary language makes us see the world in a new way. According to Shklovsky, literary language is a device that “makes the stone stony” by defamiliarizing everyday experience and making it strange and unfamiliar.

Formalist criticism gained popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century, where it was embraced by New Critics such as Cleanth Brooks, W.K. Wimsatt, and Robert Penn Warren. They emphasized the importance of close reading, which involves analyzing the literary work in detail and paying attention to its formal features.

Formalist critics also sought to distinguish literature from other forms of discourse, such as journalism or propaganda, by identifying its essential qualities. They believed that literature was characterized by its “organic unity”, which means that every part of the literary work is interconnected and contributes to its overall meaning and effect.

Despite its emphasis on form, formalist criticism is not without its limitations. Critics have pointed out that it can be too narrow in its focus, ignoring the social and historical context in which the literary work was produced. Moreover, by emphasizing the form over the content, it can sometimes lead to a neglect of important themes and ideas.

In conclusion, while formalist criticism has its limitations, it remains an important approach to the analysis of literature. By emphasizing the formal properties of a literary work and its organic unity, formalist criticism helps us to appreciate the aesthetic qualities of literature and to see the world in a new way. By paying attention to the form of literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of its content and meaning.