THE-FORMALISTIC-APPROACH-New Critism .pptx

For education purposes only.

1. THE FORMALISTIC APPROACH

2. FORMALISTIC APPROACH It analyzes how the elements and devices (e.g. , words, plot, characters, tone, images) in a literary text to its meaning It ignores the author, his or her biography and historical context, focusing on the literary work which they upheld as autonomous. It gives paramount importance to FORM.

3. FORM AND CONTENT In literary studies, it refers to the common attributes that characterizes a particular genre. In literary studies, it refers to what is said in a literary work. The form of literary work would refer therefore “to its shape and structure and the manner in which it is made(Coddun,1982:277). In other words, CONTENT is the matter of the work; FORM is its manner .

4. FEATURES OF RUSSIAN FORMALISM LITERARINESS – refers to the qualities or features that distinguish literary text from other forms of writing (e.g., complex language, figurative language, symbolism and narrative techniques). DEFAMILIARIZATION - According to Shklovsky , it is a technique of presenting familiar things unfamiliar, thereby making readers see them with fresh eyes and prompting deeper reflection.

5. FEATURES OF NEW CRITICISM CLOSE READING – paying careful attention to a text’s words, ideas, flow, structure and its purpose. ONE ORGANIC WHOLE- refers to the idea that a work of art, such as literary texts, should be seen as unified , cohesive entity with each part contributing to the over-all structure and meaning.

6. CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW CRITICISM (Leitch, 1988) New Criticism separates literary criticism from the study sources, social backgrounds, history of ideas, politics and effects to focus attention squarely on “literary object” itself. New Criticism explores the structure of a work not the mind of the authors or the reactions of the readers. New Criticism champions an ‘organic’ theory where each word contributes to a unique context.

7. HOW TO ANALYZE A TEXT USING FORMALISM ? FOCUS ON THE TEXT . Pay close attention to the elements of the text such as its structure, language, imagery, symbolism and style. IDENTIFY PATTERNS AND TECHNIQUES . Look for recurring motifs, literary devices and structural choices of the author. ANALYZE THE TEXT AS A UNIFIED WHOLE. Consider each part of the text interacts with and contributes to the overall coherence and unity of the work. EXAMINE THE TEXT’S INTERNAL LOGIC. Consider how the text creates meaning through its language and structure. DRAW CONCLUSIONS BASED ON THE ANALYSIS . Use your analysis of the text to draw conclusions about its themes, messages and aesthetic qualities.

8. QUIZ 1. Answer the following questions comprehensively. (5 pts each) Form is an important concept in literary criticism. What does it mean? How it is used specifically in formalistic criticism? What do the New Critics mean when they say that the literary work is an organic form? How can you bring out the literariness of the text?

9. ACTIVITY A. Analyze the poem “Telephone Conversation” by Wole Soyinka using Formalism as an approach.