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
FORM
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. FORMALISTIC
APPROACH
ASSUMPTIONS
The text is
autonomous.
The text has
unity and
complexity.
The text is rich
in meaning
The text is
essentially
metaphorical.

5. 2 SCHOOLS OF
FORMALISM
Russian Formalism
Coined by
Jakobson (1921),
Viktor Shklovsky
I.A Richard
It regarded the
literary work as
highly structured. It
paid attention to
language.
New Criticism
Posited by Allen
Tate, Robert Pen
Warren, John
Ransom …
There is an
interaction between
form and meaning
through close
reading.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. CHARACTERISTICS OF NEW CRITICISM
(Leitch, 1988)
1. 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.
2. New Criticism explores the structure of a work not the mind of
the authors or the reactions of the readers.
3. New Criticism champions an ‘organic’ theory where each word
contributes to a unique context.

9. HOW TO ANALYZE A TEXT USING
FORMALISM ?
1. FOCUS ON THE TEXT. Pay close attention to the elements of the text such as
its structure, language, imagery, symbolism and style.
2. IDENTIFY PATTERNS AND TECHNIQUES. Look for recurring motifs, literary
devices and structural choices of the author.
3. 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.
4. EXAMINE THE TEXT’S INTERNAL LOGIC. Consider how the text creates
meaning through its language and structure.
5. DRAW CONCLUSIONS BASED ON THE ANALYSIS. Use your analysis of the text
to draw conclusions about its themes, messages and aesthetic qualities.

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

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