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The Formalist Schools of Literary Criticism in Russia, England, and America:
An Epitome of Unity in Diversity Literary criticism is an important field that
helps us understand the artistic and cultural importance of literary works.
There are different schools of thought within literary criticism, and some of
the influential ones are the formalist schools in Russia, England, and America.
Despite their unique origins and methods, these schools have a common
focus on studying the formal elements of literature. This essay will explore the
formalist schools in Russia, England, and America, highlighting their
similarities, differences, and contributions to literary criticism. The formalist
schools in these three countries have made significant contributions to the
understanding and analysis of literature. They all emphasize the importance
of examining the form and structure of literary works, such as the use of
language, imagery, plot, and characterization. By paying close attention to
these formal elements, formalist critics aim to uncover the deeper meanings
and effects created by the author. Although the Russian, English, and
American formalist schools have their own unique approaches and theories,
they all share a common goal of understanding literature through its formal
aspects. By studying these schools, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the
diverse ways in which critics approach and interpret literary works. The
Russian Formalist School emerged in the early 20th century and brought
about a significant change in literary criticism. Instead of concentrating on
the social and political aspects of literature, the Russian Formalists, led by
scholars like Viktor Shklovsky, Roman Jakobson, and Boris Eikhenbaum,
focused on the form and technique of literary works. One important idea
developed by the Russian Formalists was defamiliarization, or ostranenie.
They believed that by making the familiar seem strange, literature could be
appreciated for its artistic qualities. To achieve this, they highlighted the
formal elements of a text, disrupting our usual way of perceiving things and
revealing the artistic techniques used by the author. The Russian Formalists
also created various tools to analyze the formal elements of literary texts.
Shklovsky introduced the concept of "device" or "estrangement effect"
(ostranenie), which involved using stylistic and formal devices to make
language and familiar objects appear unfamiliar. By using methods like
structural analysis, plot typology, and foregrounding, the Russian Formalists
aimed to understand the unique qualities of literary works and how they
create meaning. Additionally, Roman Jakobson's work in linguistics greatly
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influenced the Russian Formalist approach. His study of linguistic functions
and analysis of language in literary works provided valuable insights into the
formal aspects of literature. His focus on the different functions of language,
such as the use of language to draw attention to its artistic qualities,
contributed to the Formalists' understanding of literature as a self-contained
artistic creation. In conclusion, the Russian Formalist School transformed
literary criticism by shifting the focus from social and political contexts to the
formal elements of literature. Their concept of defamiliarization and their
systematic analytical tools allowed for a deeper understanding of the artistic
techniques employed by authors. The emphasis on form and technique
opened up new avenues for literary analysis and influenced subsequent
formalist approaches. In England, the New Critics emerged as a response to
the dominant historical and biographical approaches to literary criticism.
Prominent figures like T.S. Eliot, I.A. Richards, and Cleanth Brooks wanted to
shift the focus from the author's intentions and socio-cultural contexts to the
text itself. They advocated for close reading and formal analysis, paying
attention to the internal coherence and unity of a literary work. Unlike the
Russian Formalists, the New Critics didn't completely ignore the historical
and biographical aspects of literature, but they considered them less
important compared to the text's intrinsic qualities. They believed that by
examining the formal elements like imagery, metaphor, and symbolism,
readers could gain a deeper understanding of a work's meaning. The New
Critics stressed the significance of ambiguity, paradox, and tension within a
text, aiming to unravel the complex interplay of its formal elements. A key
principle of the New Critics was "close reading," which involved meticulously
analyzing the text's language, structure, and imagery. This approach allowed
readers to uncover the multiple layers of meaning within a work and
appreciate the author's intricate craftsmanship. The New Critics argued that a
literary work should be treated as a self-contained entity, independent of the
author's intentions or the socio-historical context in which it was created.
Sources
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May 13, 2024

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