ENGLISH 10

“ FORMALIST “

MEMBERS:

JOHN MARK B. FRANCO

IRISH MAY B. BASE

MA. FRANCESCA ALESANA D. SERASPI

LOVIE PEARL P. CORTADO

JEFFREY B. LASHER

ENGLISH TEACHER:

SIR JAROLD KIM POMAR

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 I. Definition of Formalist

Formalist literature criticism is like looking at a painting and focusing only on the colors, shapes,
and brushstrokes, rather than thinking about who the artist is or what inspired them to paint it.
In simpler words, it's a way of analyzing stories and poems by paying close attention to how
they're put together—things like the characters, the plot, where and when the story happens,
and the words the author uses. Formalist critics believe that the meaning of a story is all
contained within the story itself, and they don't worry too much about what the author might
have meant or what was happening in the world when the story was written. They look at how
things like symbols (like a heart representing love) and descriptions (like a stormy sky
suggesting trouble) help create the overall feeling and message of the story. By doing this kind
of analysis, formalist critics aim to uncover the deeper layers of meaning and beauty in a piece
of writing, making the reading experience richer and more enjoyable.

Formalist literature criticism is a literary theory that emphasizes the structure, form, and
language of a literary work as the primary sources of meaning. In this approach, the critic
focuses on the internal elements of the text itself, such as the plot, characters, setting, and
language choices, rather than external factors like the author's intention or historical context.
Formalist critics believe that the meaning of a work exists within the work itself and can be
analyzed and understood independently of the author's personal life or cultural influences. By
examining the formal aspects of a literary work, such as its use of symbolism, imagery, and
narrative techniques, formalist criticism aims to uncover the inherent beauty, complexity, and
deeper layers of meaning within the text. Through close reading and analysis, formalist critics
seek to unravel the intricate web of literary devices and explore the ways in which they
contribute to the overall aesthetic experience of the reader.

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 II. History of Formalist

Formalist literature criticism is a literary theory that originated in the early 20th century and
gained prominence during the Russian Formalist movement. Led by figures such as Victor
Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson, the Russian Formalists sought to establish a distinct method of
analyzing and interpreting literary texts.

The Formalist approach to literature emerged as a reaction against the dominant modes of
literary criticism at the time, which often focused on external factors such as the author's
biography or the socio-political context in which a work was created. Formalists argued that
these external factors were secondary to the intrinsic properties of a literary work itself.

The Formalist movement in Russia greatly influenced the development of Structuralism and
New Criticism in the West. Formalist ideas resonated with many scholars and critics, leading to
the establishment of formalist approaches in literary criticism in various countries and literary
traditions.

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III. Pros and Cons of Formalist

The Pros of Formalist:

 Focus on the Text: Formalist criticism prioritizes the text itself over external factors
like author biography or historical context. This allows for a close examination of the
literary work's intrinsic qualities, such as language, structure, and style, fostering a
deeper understanding of its artistic merits.

 Emphasis on Aesthetic Qualities: By concentrating on the form and structure of a

literary piece, formalist criticism encourages appreciation of its aesthetic qualities. This
approach highlights the craftsmanship of the author and the ways in which literary
devices contribute to the overall impact and meaning of the work.

 Universal Approach: Formalist criticism provides a framework for analyzing literature

that can be applied across different cultures, time periods, and genres. Its focus on
formal elements allows for comparative studies and cross-cultural analysis, enabling
scholars to identify common patterns and themes in diverse literary works.

 Objective Analysis: Formalist criticism aims for objectivity by focusing on observable

features within the text, rather than subjective interpretations based on personal
experiences or external influences. This can lead to more systematic and rigorous
analyses, providing insights that are grounded in the text itself.

 Promotion of Close Reading: Formalist criticism encourages close reading of literary

texts, fostering attention to detail and critical thinking skills. By examining the intricacies
of language, symbolism, and structure, readers can uncover layers of meaning and
appreciate the complexity of the work.

The Cons of Formalist:

 Neglect of Context: Formalist criticism tends to prioritize the text itself, often
overlooking the historical, cultural, and biographical contexts in which the work was
produced. Ignoring these external factors can limit the depth of analysis and overlook
important influences on the creation and interpretation of the literary work.

 Subjectivity in Interpretation: Despite its aim for objectivity, formalist criticism does
not entirely eliminate subjectivity in interpretation. Critics may still bring their own

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 biases, preferences, and interpretations to the analysis, leading to differing conclusions
about the meaning and significance of the text.

 Limited Emphasis on Authorial Intent: Formalist criticism may downplay the

importance of authorial intent in favor of analyzing the text on its own terms. However,
understanding the author's intentions and historical context can provide valuable
insights into the meaning and significance of the work.

 Exclusion of Reader Response: Formalist criticism often disregards the role of the
reader in interpreting and deriving meaning from the text. By focusing solely on the
formal elements of the literary work, it may overlook the ways in which readers actively
engage with and interpret the text based on their own experiences and perspectives.

 Narrow Focus on Form: Formalist criticism's exclusive emphasis on form and

structure may neglect other aspects of literature, such as thematic concerns, social and
political implications, and moral or ethical considerations. This limited focus can overlook
important dimensions of the work that contribute to its overall significance and impact.

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IV. The poem used as an example of Formalist

The poem we used as an example of Formalist the poem “A Charm Invests a Face” by
Emily Dickinson.

A Charm Invests a Face

By Emily Dickinson

A Charm invests a face

Imperfectly beheld—
The Lady date not lift her Veil
For fear it be dispelled—

But peers beyond her mesh—

And wishes—and denies—
Lest Interview—annul a want
That Image—satisfies—

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V. The definition of the poem

The poem we used as an example of Formalist is the poem “A Charm Invests a Face” by
Emily Dickinson. A Charm Invests a Face" by Emily Dickinson is a succinct exploration of
the transformative power of beauty. In this brief yet profound poem, Dickinson uses
vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the enchanting effect of physical attractiveness.

The poem suggests that beauty possesses a mysterious quality, likening it to a spell or
enchantment ("a charm") that imbues a person's face with an irresistible allure. Through
her characteristic brevity and enigmatic language, Dickinson invites readers to
contemplate the elusive nature of beauty and its ability to captivate and mesmerize.

In simple words, "A Charm Invests A Face" refers to Dickinson looking in a mirror with
her face covered with a veil. She doesn't want to lift it because her wanted beauty (or
spell) might disappear. Some see this as a metaphor for anything which is beautiful in
appearance but underneith it is ugly. So we dare not try to look too close.

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VI. The connection and conclusion

When examining Emily Dickinson's poem "A Charm Invests a Face" through a formalist
lens, attention is drawn to the poem's structure, language, and literary devices.
Formalist criticism emphasizes the artistic elements within a literary work rather than
external factors like authorial intent or historical context. In this poem, Dickinson
employs vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the transformative power of beauty.
Formalists would analyze how Dickinson's careful choice of words, the rhythm of the
poem, and its overall structure contribute to its thematic resonance.

The repetition of the word "charm" throughout the poem not only emphasizes its
significance but also adds to the poem's musicality and rhythmic flow. Additionally, the
use of personification, comparing beauty to a "spell" or "enchantment," highlights the
poem's imaginative and evocative language. Through a formalist approach, readers can
appreciate how Dickinson's skillful manipulation of form enhances the poem's
exploration of the allure and mystery of beauty, offering insight into its lasting impact on
human perception and experience.

In conclusion, Formalist literature criticism provides a unique and valuable approach to

analyzing and interpreting literary works. By focusing on the internal elements of a text,
such as its structure, form, and language, formalist criticism uncovers the inherent
beauty, complexity, and deeper layers of meaning within a literary work. Through close
reading and analysis, formalist critics unravel the intricate web of literary devices and
explore the ways in which they contribute to the overall aesthetic experience of the
reader.

Formalist criticism emphasizes the importance of examining the plot, characters, setting,
and language choices in a literary work. By doing so, formalist critics aim to understand
and appreciate the text on its own terms, independent of external factors like the
author's intention or historical context. This approach allows for a more objective
analysis, focusing solely on the textual elements that contribute to the meaning of the
work.

Furthermore, formalist criticism encourages a meticulous examination of the literary

devices employed by the author, such as symbolism, imagery, and narrative techniques.
By paying close attention to these details, formalist critics can unveil the underlying
thematic elements and explore the ways in which they contribute to the overall impact
of the work.

While formalist criticism provides valuable insights into the formal aspects of a text, it is
important to recognize its limitations. By exclusively focusing on the internal elements,
formalist criticism may overlook external factors that can enrich the interpretation of a
work. Therefore, formalist criticism should not be seen as the sole approach to literary

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analysis but rather as a complementary tool that can be used in conjunction with other
critical perspectives.

In the end, formalist literature criticism offers a rigorous and meticulous approach to
analyzing and understanding literary works. By delving into the structure, form, and
language of a text, formalist critics uncover the inherent beauty and complexity that lie
within. Through their close examination of literary devices, formalist critics provide
readers with a deeper appreciation of the aesthetic qualities and profound impact of
literature.

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 VII. References

A Charm Invests a Face by Emily Dickinson Analysis & poem . (n.d.). Poem of Quotes: Read, Write,

Learn. https://www.poemofquotes.com/emilydickinson/charm_invests_face.php

Admin, & Admin. (2023, April 4). What is Formalism? - PHILO-notes. PHILO-notes - Free Online

Learning Materials. https://philonotes.com/2023/04/what-is-formalism#:~:text=In

%20conclusion%2C%20formalism%20is%20a,than%20their%20content%20or%20context.

Formalism - New World Encyclopedia. (n.d.). https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Formalism

Kornfeld, S. (n.d.). A charm invests a face. https://bloggingdickinson.blogspot.com/2013/03/a-charm-

invests-face.html

Studocu. (n.d.). [Solved] advantages and disadvantages of Formalism - health care adminstration (HCA

111) - Studocu. https://www.studocu.com/en-ca/messages/question/3058763/advantages-and-

disadvantages-of-formalism

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