The early 20th century witnessed a seismic shift in the landscape of literary theory with the emergence of Russian Formalism (often referred to as, “formalism”). This revolutionary movement challenged traditional approaches that prioritised the author's biography, historical context, or the text's moral message. Instead, the Formalists dared to focus on the text itself, delving into its unique features and internal mechanisms that distinguished it from everyday language. Led by thinkers like Viktor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson, Formalism emphasized the autonomy of literary works, exploring concepts like defamiliarization and "literariness." In this blog, we explore the core principles, key figures, Concepts, and examples in the craziest way ever!
Table of Contents
Historical Context and Emergence of Russian Formalism
Russian Formalism emerged amidst a backdrop of significant social, political, and cultural changes in early 20th-century Russia. The movement gained traction during a time of intellectual ferment and upheaval, marked by the aftermath of the Russian Revolution of 1917 and the subsequent societal transformations.
The Formalist movement began in the 1910s and reached its zenith in the 1920s. Viktor Shklovsky, Boris Eikhenbaum, Roman Jakobson, and other key figures were instrumental in shaping its foundational principles. Their essays and theoretical works, published in journals such as "OPOYAZ" (Society for the Study of Poetic Language), laid the groundwork for Formalist ideas, emphasizing the importance of form, language, and literary devices in understanding literature.
💡As a response to traditional literary criticism, Russian Formalism aimed to revolutionize how literature was studied. It challenged prevailing norms that focused on historical or moral aspects, ignoring the structure and language in texts. This movement sought a more scientific and rigorous approach, marking a significant shift in literary theory by emphasizing the structural elements of literature and pursuing objectivity in analysis.
Key Principles of Russian Formalism
Russian Formalism, as a literary movement, is characterized by several core principles that redefined the approach to studying literature. These principles include:
Defamiliarization: Seeing the Ordinary Anew
Defamiliarization, a fundamental principle in Russian Formalism, advocates for presenting the familiar in an unfamiliar way to prompt a fresh perception. This technique aims to disrupt habitual thinking and evoke a deeper engagement with literary works. By employing innovative language, narrative structures, and poetic devices, defamiliarization challenges readers to reconsider and appreciate the ordinary in a new light. It sparks an active response from readers, encouraging a more profound understanding of artistic expression. Read more about Defamiliarization
Form vs. Content: The Primacy of Literary Devices
Russian Formalism emphasized the primacy of form over content, focusing on the structure and devices employed in literary works. This principle suggests that the arrangement and techniques used within a text determine its meaning and impact more than the narrative content. It encourages a closer examination of literary devices such as rhythm, metaphor, and narrative structure, asserting that these elements play a pivotal role in shaping a work's artistic value and meaning.
Emphasis on Literary Devices and Techniques
A core tenet of Russian Formalism is the analysis and emphasis on literary devices and techniques. This principle underscores the significance of linguistic techniques, figurative language, and narrative strategies in shaping the aesthetic and emotional impact of a literary work. By studying and dissecting these devices, Formalists aimed to uncover their specific functions and effects on readers, elucidating the artistry behind their usage.
"Literariness": Uniqueness in Literary Works
"Literariness" refers to the distinct characteristics that differentiate literary texts from non-literary ones. Russian Formalism sought to define and identify these features, highlighting the specific traits that make a work "literary." This principle aimed to establish criteria for recognizing and distinguishing literature based on its unique qualities, contributing to a clearer understanding of what sets literary texts apart. Read More about Literariness
Objective Analysis: Seeking Scientific Precision
Russian Formalism advocated for a more objective and scientific approach to literary analysis. This principle emphasized the need for rigorous and precise methodologies in studying literature, moving away from subjective interpretations or external influences. By striving for objectivity, Formalists aimed to uncover the inherent structural elements within texts, leading to more systematic and accurate literary analysis.
Autonomy of the Text: Detached from Authorial Intent
The autonomy of the text within Russian Formalism highlights its independence from the author's intentions or societal context. This principle asserts that the literary work exists as a self-contained entity with its own significance, separate from the author's biography or external influences. The focus is on the internal elements of the text itself, encouraging interpretations based solely on the textual features rather than external factors.
Art for Art's Sake: Aesthetic Significance
"Art for Art's Sake" emphasizes the aesthetic value and significance of literary works. Russian Formalism prioritized the artistic qualities of literature, placing emphasis on form, style, and artistic expression over extraneous considerations such as moral or societal messages. This principle underscores the importance of appreciating literature for its inherent beauty and artistic merit.
Major Figures of Russian Formalism
Viktor Shklovsky (1893–1984): Contributions and Theories
Viktor Shklovsky, born in 1893 and passing away in 1984, was a pioneering figure in Russian Formalism. He introduced the concept of defamiliarization ("Ostranenie") in his influential essay "Art as Technique" (1917), emphasizing the importance of making the familiar appear unfamiliar in literature. Shklovsky advocated for the use of literary devices and techniques to disrupt habitual perception and encourage active engagement with artistic expression. His theories reshaped the understanding of literature by highlighting the role of language and form in enhancing the aesthetic experience.
Roman Jakobson (1896–1982): His Role in Formalist Thought
Roman Jakobson, born in 1896 and passing away in 1982, was another key figure in Russian Formalism. He made significant contributions to Formalist thought, particularly in the field of linguistics and poetics. Jakobson co-founded the Moscow Linguistic Circle and delved into the study of language in relation to literature. His work on linguistic structures, such as the distinction between poetic and practical language (the "poetic function"), elucidated the role of language in literary expression. Jakobson's interdisciplinary approach bridged linguistics and literary theory, establishing a foundation for structuralist analysis.
Other Notable Theorists and Their Ideas
Several other notable theorists contributed to Russian Formalism, each adding unique perspectives and theories to the movement:
- Boris Eikhenbaum (1886–1959): Known for his focus on the history of literary forms and the development of the theory of "literary evolution."
- Yuri Tynianov (1894–1943): Noted for his ideas on the evolution of literary genres and his contributions to the concept of "literary evolution."
- Boris Tomashevsky (1890–1959): Emphasized the importance of the form and structure of literary works, highlighting the role of plot and narrative devices.
- Osip Brik (1888–1945): Contributed to the Formalist movement through his interest in the socio-cultural aspects of literature and art.
Concepts in Russian Formalist Literary Analysis
- Plot Structure and Narrative Elements: Formalists analyzed the construction of narratives, emphasizing plot elements, temporal shifts, and the arrangement of events to comprehend how these components contribute to a text's overall impact and meaning.
- Stylistics and Linguistic Analysis: Focus on linguistic features, syntax, rhythm, and literary devices like metaphors and imagery. Understanding stylistic choices aimed to unveil how language shapes meaning and enriches the artistic value of a text.
- Poetics - Study of Poetry: Formalists explored the unique features of poetic language, such as meter, sound patterns, and specific poetic devices. This exploration aimed to elucidate how these elements heighten the aesthetic impact and emotional resonance of poetry.
💡Russian Formalist literary analysis revolved around dissecting plot development, linguistic devices, and poetic structures within texts. By scrutinizing these internal elements, Formalists sought to reveal the underlying mechanisms contributing to a work's artistic significance and quality.
Example of Russian Formalist Analysis: Smartphone Messaging as Literature
Imagine analyzing smartphone messaging as a form of literature through a Russian Formalist lens:
Defamiliarization: Changing Text Messages to Poetry
Original Text Message: "Hey, what's up? Wanna hang out later?"
Defamiliarized Version: "Salutations! Doth thou seeketh rendezvous anon?"
Here, the familiar text message is transformed into an unfamiliar, poetic language, akin to defamiliarization in literature. The ordinary conversation is reframed, making the everyday seem extraordinary.
Form vs. Content: Emphasizing Emojis and Formatting
Original Content: "I'm excited!!!"
Emphasizing Form: "I'm excited 😃🎉"
In this case, the focus shifts from the content (the emotion) to the form (the use of emojis and formatting). Russian Formalists would highlight how the visual elements (emojis) and formatting (asterisks) add layers of meaning beyond the text itself.
Emphasis on Literary Devices: Stylistic Choices in Messages
Original Text: "I'm so tired."
Stylistic Choice: "I'm so 😴💤"
This example showcases the use of emojis as a stylistic choice, akin to literary devices in literature. By replacing words with symbols, the sender enhances the message's emotional impact through visual representation.
"Literariness": Recognizing Unique Literary Traits
Original Text: "I miss you!"
Literary Transformation: "My heart aches in thy absence."
Transforming a direct expression of missing someone into a more poetic and metaphorical statement exemplifies the pursuit of "literariness" – transforming everyday language into a more literary form.
💡By examining everyday smartphone messaging through the lens of Russian Formalist analysis, even those unfamiliar with complex literary texts can understand how linguistic choices, visual elements, and creative expressions in modern communication align with the principles of Russian Formalism in literature.
What is Soviet Formalism?
💡Few people also term "Russian Formalism" as "Soviet Formalism", Ultimately, the choice of term depends on the specific context and emphasis you want to convey. Both "Russian Formalism" and "Soviet Formalism" can be valid, but if you want to emphasize the movement's independent intellectual roots and international influence, "Russian Formalism" might be the more appropriate choice. If you are specifically discussing the movement's relationship with the Soviet state, "Soviet Formalism" could be more relevant.
Key Takeaways
- Defamiliarization: Central concept - presenting the familiar in an unfamiliar way to provoke fresh perspectives.
- Form vs. Content: Emphasis on literary devices and structure over narrative content.
- Focus on Literary Devices: Analysis of language, stylistic choices, and poetic elements.
- "Literariness": Identifying unique traits that distinguish literary texts from non-literary ones.
- Objective Analysis: Seeking a scientific and rigorous approach to literary study.
- Autonomy of the Text: Text's significance detached from authorial intent or societal context.
- Aesthetic Significance: Prioritizing the aesthetic value and artistic qualities of literature.
