The formalist approach to literature was developed at the
beginning of the 20th century and remained the primary approach to
literary study until the 1970s, when other literary theories began
to gain popularity.
As the name suggests, formalism is concerned primarily with
form. Rather than INTERPRETING what a text means, the formalist
ANALYZES how that that meaning is communicated.
A critical approach that analyzes, interprets, or evaluates the
inherent features of a text. These features include not only
grammar and syntax but also literary devices such as meter and
tropes.
Formalistic Approach Summary:
The object of formalistic criticism is to find the key to the
structure and meaning of the literary work
We search for form which is necessary for real understanding
A unifying pattern is the pattern that as modern critics
say,informs or shapes the work inwardly and gives its parts
arelevance to the whole
We must narrow our attention to what the literary work says
butwe must first consider how it is said
Suggests that the reader see what is in the poem, novel, orthe
play rather than to consider what is outside it.
First step in explaining the literary work is to discoverwhat
the words actually mean in their full denotative andconnotative
value.
Principle by which content and form inseparable.