Outline of the Article: Russian Formalism
H1: Introduction to Russian Formalism
- H2: What is Russian Formalism?
- H3: Origins of Russian Formalism
- H3: Key Concepts of Russian Formalism
- H4: Defamiliarization (Ostranenie)
- H4: The Distinction Between Fabula and Syuzhet
- H3: Importance of Russian Formalism in Literary Theory
H1: Historical Background of Russian Formalism
- H2: The Emergence of Russian Formalism
- H3: The Role of the Moscow Linguistic Circle
- H3: The Impact of the Petrograd OPOJAZ Group
- H3: Key Figures in Russian Formalism
- H4: Viktor Shklovsky
- H4: Roman Jakobson
- H4: Boris Eichenbaum
H1: Core Principles of Russian Formalism
- H2: Literature as an Autonomous System
- H3: The Scientific Approach to Literary Studies
- H3: The Focus on Language and Form
- H3: The Concept of Literary Evolution
H1: Defamiliarization (Ostranenie)
- H2: Understanding Defamiliarization
- H3: Examples of Defamiliarization in Literature
- H3: The Impact of Defamiliarization on the Reader’s Experience
H1: Fabula vs. Syuzhet
- H2: The Definition of Fabula
- H3: The Definition of Syuzhet
- H3: The Interaction Between Fabula and Syuzhet in Narrative
H1: Influence of Russian Formalism on Modern Literary Theory
- H2: The Legacy of Russian Formalism
- H3: Russian Formalism and Structuralism
- H3: Russian Formalism’s Influence on Narratology
H1: Criticisms of Russian Formalism
- H2: The Focus on Form Over Content
- H3: The Perceived Reductionism in Russian Formalism
- H3: The Decline of Russian Formalism
H1: Conclusion
- H2: The Enduring Significance of Russian Formalism
H1: FAQs
- H2: What is the main focus of Russian Formalism?
- H2: Who were the key figures in Russian Formalism?
- H2: How did Russian Formalism influence modern literary theory?
- H2: What is Defamiliarization in Russian Formalism?
- H2: Why did Russian Formalism decline?
Russian Formalism: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction to Russian Formalism
What is Russian Formalism?
Russian Formalism was a literary theory and movement that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Russia. It sought to shift the focus of literary criticism from the content of a work to its form, structure, and language. This movement represented a radical departure from previous literary approaches, which often emphasized the emotional, moral, or social significance of literature. Russian Formalism is characterized by its rigorous analysis of the formal elements of texts, such as narrative structure, language, and style.
Origins of Russian Formalism
Russian Formalism began to take shape in the 1910s and 1920s, a period marked by significant political and social upheaval in Russia. The movement was born out of a desire to establish a more scientific and objective method for studying literature, one that could move beyond subjective interpretations and focus on the intrinsic properties of literary works.
Key Concepts of Russian Formalism
Defamiliarization (Ostranenie)
One of the most significant contributions of Russian Formalism is the concept of defamiliarization, or “ostranenie.” This idea, introduced by Viktor Shklovsky, posits that the purpose of art is to make the familiar strange, thereby forcing the audience to see things in a new light. By disrupting the automatic perception of everyday objects and events, literature can provoke a more profound and engaged response from the reader.
The Distinction Between Fabula and Syuzhet
Another central concept in Russian Formalism is the distinction between fabula and syuzhet. Fabula refers to the raw material of a story—the events as they happen in chronological order. Syuzhet, on the other hand, is the way these events are presented in the narrative, often manipulated to create suspense, surprise, or other effects. This distinction highlights the importance of narrative structure and the techniques used by authors to shape a story.
Importance of Russian Formalism in Literary Theory
Russian Formalism laid the groundwork for many modern approaches to literary criticism, particularly structuralism and narratology. Its emphasis on the formal elements of texts and the scientific study of literature challenged the dominant critical paradigms of its time and continues to influence literary theory today.
Historical Background of Russian Formalism
The Emergence of Russian Formalism
Russian Formalism emerged as a reaction against the dominant trends in literary criticism during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which often focused on the moral, social, or psychological content of literature. Formalists sought to create a more objective, scientific approach to literary analysis by concentrating on the form and structure of literary texts rather than their content.
The Role of the Moscow Linguistic Circle
The Moscow Linguistic Circle, founded in 1915, played a crucial role in the development of Russian Formalism. This group of scholars and linguists was dedicated to the study of language and its relationship to literature. Their work laid the theoretical foundation for many of the concepts that would later become central to Russian Formalism.
The Impact of the Petrograd OPOJAZ Group
Another key group in the development of Russian Formalism was OPOJAZ (the Society for the Study of Poetic Language), based in Petrograd. This organization, founded in 1916, was composed of literary critics and scholars who were committed to the formalist approach. OPOJAZ members were instrumental in developing and popularizing many of the ideas that would come to define Russian Formalism.
Key Figures in Russian Formalism
Viktor Shklovsky
Viktor Shklovsky is perhaps the most well-known figure associated with Russian Formalism. His work on defamiliarization and his analysis of narrative techniques have had a lasting impact on literary theory. Shklovsky’s writings, such as “Art as Technique,” are considered foundational texts in the formalist tradition.
Roman Jakobson
Roman Jakobson was another key figure in Russian Formalism, known for his work on linguistic theory and poetics. Jakobson’s contributions to the study of language and literature were instrumental in shaping the formalist approach, particularly his emphasis on the structural aspects of language in poetry.
Boris Eichenbaum
Boris Eichenbaum was a prominent critic and theorist within the Russian Formalist movement. His essays and analyses helped to clarify and develop many of the core principles of Formalism, including the distinction between fabula and syuzhet. Eichenbaum’s work remains influential in the field of literary studies.
Core Principles of Russian Formalism
Literature as an Autonomous System
One of the central tenets of Russian Formalism is the idea that literature should be studied as an autonomous system, independent of external influences such as history, politics, or the author’s intentions. Formalists argued that literary works possess their own internal logic and should be analyzed based on their formal properties, such as structure, language, and style.
The Scientific Approach to Literary Studies
Russian Formalists sought to establish a scientific approach to the study of literature, one that would be objective, systematic, and based on empirical evidence. They believed that literary analysis should focus on the observable features of texts, such as their linguistic and structural elements, rather than on subjective interpretations.
The Focus on Language and Form
A key principle of Russian Formalism is the focus on language and form as the primary objects of literary analysis. Formalists argued that the language of literature is distinct from ordinary language, and that the unique qualities of literary language should be the focus of critical study. This emphasis on form and structure set Russian Formalism apart from other approaches to literary criticism, which often prioritized content and meaning.
The Concept of Literary Evolution
Russian Formalists also developed the concept of literary evolution, which suggests that literary forms and techniques evolve over time in response to changes in the cultural and social environment. According to this theory, literary history is not a linear progression but rather a series of shifts and transformations in the formal properties of texts.
Defamiliarization (Ostranenie)
Understanding Defamiliarization
Defamiliarization, or ostranenie, is one of the most influential concepts in Russian Formalism. It refers to the process by which art makes familiar objects, concepts, or experiences appear strange or unfamiliar. By defamiliarizing the ordinary, literature can disrupt the reader’s habitual perceptions and encourage a more active and engaged mode of reading.
Examples of Defamiliarization in Literature
Defamiliarization can be seen in various literary works, where authors use unusual language,
narrative techniques, or perspectives to challenge the reader’s expectations. For example, in Leo Tolstoy’s “Kholstomer,” the story is told from the perspective of a horse, which forces the reader to see human society from a completely different angle.
The Impact of Defamiliarization on the Reader’s Experience
The primary effect of defamiliarization is to make the reader more aware of the formal properties of the text and to encourage a deeper engagement with the work. By making the familiar strange, literature can provoke new insights and reactions, transforming the reader’s experience of the text.
Fabula vs. Syuzhet
The Definition of Fabula
In Russian Formalism, fabula refers to the raw material of a story—the sequence of events as they would occur in a straightforward, chronological order. It represents the basic content of the narrative, devoid of any artistic manipulation or arrangement.
The Definition of Syuzhet
Syuzhet, on the other hand, is the way in which these events are presented in the narrative. It involves the artistic arrangement of the fabula, including the use of techniques such as flashbacks, foreshadowing, and suspense to create a more engaging and complex story.
The Interaction Between Fabula and Syuzhet in Narrative
The relationship between fabula and syuzhet is central to the formalist understanding of narrative. Formalists argued that the syuzhet is what gives a story its literary quality, as it involves the conscious manipulation of the fabula to achieve specific effects. This distinction highlights the importance of narrative structure and the creative techniques used by authors to shape their stories.
Influence of Russian Formalism on Modern Literary Theory
The Legacy of Russian Formalism
Russian Formalism has had a profound and lasting impact on the field of literary theory. Its emphasis on the formal properties of texts and the scientific study of literature laid the groundwork for many subsequent critical approaches, including structuralism, narratology, and semiotics.
Russian Formalism and Structuralism
The influence of Russian Formalism can be seen in the development of structuralism, a movement that emerged in the mid-20th century. Structuralists, like the formalists, focused on the underlying structures of texts and sought to uncover the universal principles that govern literary works. The formalist emphasis on language, form, and structure was a significant precursor to structuralist theory.
Russian Formalism’s Influence on Narratology
Russian Formalism also played a key role in the development of narratology, the study of narrative structure and techniques. The formalist distinction between fabula and syuzhet, as well as their focus on the technical aspects of storytelling, has been highly influential in the field of narratology.
Criticisms of Russian Formalism
The Focus on Form Over Content
One of the main criticisms of Russian Formalism is its focus on form at the expense of content. Critics argue that by prioritizing the formal elements of a text, formalists neglect the thematic, social, and historical aspects of literature, which are also important for understanding and interpreting literary works.
The Perceived Reductionism in Russian Formalism
Another criticism of Russian Formalism is its perceived reductionism. Critics claim that formalists reduce literature to a set of technical devices and structures, overlooking the complexity and richness of literary texts. This reductionist approach, they argue, fails to account for the full range of meanings and interpretations that literature can offer.
The Decline of Russian Formalism
Russian Formalism began to decline in the late 1920s and early 1930s, partly due to political pressures in the Soviet Union, where the movement was seen as too detached from the social and ideological concerns of the time. Additionally, the rise of other critical approaches, such as Marxist and psychoanalytic criticism, contributed to the decline of Formalism. However, its ideas have continued to influence literary theory and criticism in various ways.
Conclusion
The Enduring Significance of Russian Formalism
Despite its decline as a movement, Russian Formalism has left an indelible mark on literary theory. Its emphasis on form, structure, and the scientific study of literature challenged traditional approaches and paved the way for many modern critical methods. The concepts developed by Russian Formalists, such as defamiliarization and the distinction between fabula and syuzhet, continue to be relevant and influential in contemporary literary studies.
FAQs
What is the main focus of Russian Formalism?
The main focus of Russian Formalism is on the form, structure, and language of literary texts, rather than their content or social significance. Formalists sought to develop a scientific approach to literary analysis, emphasizing the intrinsic properties of literature.
Who were the key figures in Russian Formalism?
Key figures in Russian Formalism include Viktor Shklovsky, known for his concept of defamiliarization, Roman Jakobson, who contributed to linguistic theory and poetics, and Boris Eichenbaum, who helped clarify and develop the movement’s core principles.
How did Russian Formalism influence modern literary theory?
Russian Formalism influenced modern literary theory by laying the groundwork for structuralism, narratology, and other critical approaches that focus on the formal and structural aspects of texts. Its emphasis on the scientific study of literature continues to resonate in contemporary literary criticism.
What is Defamiliarization in Russian Formalism?
Defamiliarization, or ostranenie, is a concept introduced by Viktor Shklovsky that refers to the process by which literature makes familiar objects, concepts, or experiences appear strange or unfamiliar, thereby provoking a more engaged and reflective response from the reader.
Why did Russian Formalism decline?
Russian Formalism declined in the late 1920s and early 1930s due to political pressures in the Soviet Union and the rise of other critical approaches, such as Marxist and psychoanalytic criticism, which challenged the formalist focus on form over content.
