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Aug 14
Formalism criticism is a method of literary analysis that focuses on the formal elements of a text, such as its structure, style, language, and literary devices. This approach emphasizes the intrinsic qualities of the text itself, rather than considering external factors such as the author's biography or historical context. Formalist critics believe that the meaning of a text is derived from its form and that close attention to the formal elements of a work can reveal deeper insights into its themes, symbolism, and overall meaning. This approach is often associated with Russian Formalism and New Criticism, two influential literary movements of the 20th century.
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Google Gemini AI
Aug 14
Formalism Criticism
Formalism criticism, also known as New Criticism, is a literary theory that focuses on the inherent qualities of a literary work, rather than its historical context, author's intention, or reader's response.
Key Principles:
- Close Reading: Focuses on the precise analysis of language, imagery, structure, and form within the text itself.
- Intrinsic Value: Believes that the literary work exists independently of external factors and has its own intrinsic aesthetic value.
- Autonomy of the Text: Argues that the work's meaning is contained within its own structure and language, and does not require external references to be understood.
- Objective Interpretation: Strives to establish a definitive and objective interpretation of the work based solely on its internal features.
Characteristics:
- Emphasis on form and structure over content and meaning.
- Focus on the interconnectedness of all elements within the text.
- Use of linguistic and structural analysis to identify literary devices and patterns.
- Avoidance of biographical, historical, or psychological contexts.
- Belief in the universality of literary experience and the ability to analyze texts from any time period.
Limitations:
- Can be overly focused on the technical aspects of the work and neglect the emotional and contextual elements.
- May limit the scope of interpretation by excluding external factors that can enrich understanding.
- Can struggle to account for the dynamic relationship between text and reader.
Key Figures:
- T.S. Eliot
- Ezra Pound
- I.A. Richards
- Cleanth Brooks
- William K. Wimsatt
Formalism criticism, also known as New Criticism, is a literary theory that focuses on the inherent qualities of a literary work, rather than its historical context, author's intention, or reader's response.
Key Principles:
- Close Reading: Focuses on the precise analysis of language, imagery, structure, and form within the text itself.
- Intrinsic Value: Believes that the literary work exists independently of external factors and has its own intrinsic aesthetic value.
- Autonomy of the Text: Argues that the work's meaning is contained within its own structure and language, and does not require external references to be understood.
- Objective Interpretation: Strives to establish a definitive and objective interpretation of the work based solely on its internal features.
Characteristics:
- Emphasis on form and structure over content and meaning.
- Focus on the interconnectedness of all elements within the text.
- Use of linguistic and structural analysis to identify literary devices and patterns.
- Avoidance of biographical, historical, or psychological contexts.
- Belief in the universality of literary experience and the ability to analyze texts from any time period.
Limitations:
- Can be overly focused on the technical aspects of the work and neglect the emotional and contextual elements.
- May limit the scope of interpretation by excluding external factors that can enrich understanding.
- Can struggle to account for the dynamic relationship between text and reader.
Key Figures:
- T.S. Eliot
- Ezra Pound
- I.A. Richards
- Cleanth Brooks
- William K. Wimsatt
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