Formalism is a way of looking at literature that focuses on the text itself. It says that to truly understand a piece of writing, we should look closely at its form, structure, and language. We shouldn't worry too much about things like who wrote it or what was happening in the world at that time.
Textual Autonomy: This means the text stands on its own. We should pay attention only to the words and how they are put together.
Close Reading: This involves carefully examining the text to find deeper meanings. We look for things like images, symbols, and how the text is shaped.
Structure over Content: Formalists care more about how a story is built than what the story is about.
Redefinition of Literature: Formalism helps us see literature as a serious art form that should be studied on its own, without thinking about history.
Methodological Rigor: This means it encourages a careful and organized way to study literature, focusing on how to interpret it accurately, not just telling stories.
Critique of Subjectivity: Formalism ignores what the author meant or how readers feel about it. Instead, it helps scholars find meanings right from the text.
Some people criticize Formalism, saying it overlooks important social and political ideas. However, it has inspired other movements like Structuralism, which looks at texts within the broader systems of language.
By using these methods, Formalism not only improves how we critique literature, but it also encourages us to engage more with the art of writing. It shows us that meaning comes from the specific ways words are used.
Formalism is a way of looking at literature that focuses on the text itself. It says that to truly understand a piece of writing, we should look closely at its form, structure, and language. We shouldn't worry too much about things like who wrote it or what was happening in the world at that time.
Textual Autonomy: This means the text stands on its own. We should pay attention only to the words and how they are put together.
Close Reading: This involves carefully examining the text to find deeper meanings. We look for things like images, symbols, and how the text is shaped.
Structure over Content: Formalists care more about how a story is built than what the story is about.
Redefinition of Literature: Formalism helps us see literature as a serious art form that should be studied on its own, without thinking about history.
Methodological Rigor: This means it encourages a careful and organized way to study literature, focusing on how to interpret it accurately, not just telling stories.
Critique of Subjectivity: Formalism ignores what the author meant or how readers feel about it. Instead, it helps scholars find meanings right from the text.
Some people criticize Formalism, saying it overlooks important social and political ideas. However, it has inspired other movements like Structuralism, which looks at texts within the broader systems of language.
By using these methods, Formalism not only improves how we critique literature, but it also encourages us to engage more with the art of writing. It shows us that meaning comes from the specific ways words are used.