What is a Formalist?
A literary approach that analyzes a text through its form and structure.
Exploring the Beauty of Form and Structure in Literature
Formalist is a term that is used to describe a specific literary approach that analyses a text primarily through its form and structure, rather than its content or meaning.
This method of literary criticism asserts that the form of a text, such as its style, narrative structure, and technical aspects, is essential to its meaning and should be studied closely in order to fully understand and appreciate the work.
By examining how a text is constructed, formalist analysis can reveal how the author uses literary techniques to convey their ideas and themes, creating a deeper appreciation for the work as a whole.
While not everyone subscribes to the formalist approach to literature, it can be an enriching way to explore and understand the beauty of form and structure in the written word.
Formalist analysis is an intriguing way to explore literature, and has been applied to many notable works. Here are two such examples:
By examining the careful structure and organization of the stories in Dubliners, formalist analysis reveals Joyce's use of repetition and parallels to create a cohesive collection that explores the themes of paralysis and epiphany.
Formalist analysis of The Old Man and The Sea highlights Hemingway's use of sparse, declarative sentences and simple language to create a narrative that mirrors the rhythm and movement of the ocean itself.