Formalisms in English Literature: The Power of Structure, Symbols, and Storytelling
Introduction: The Transformative Power of Words and Narratives
In the realm of literature, words are not merely vessels of meaning; they are dynamic forces capable of shaping thoughts, altering perceptions, and even transforming lives. The beauty of literature lies not only in the ideas it conveys but in the meticulous ways it engages with form, structure, and language. One literary approach that foregrounds this concept is formalism—a theory that directs our attention to the form, structure, and intrinsic features of a text, often at the expense of its historical context or authorial intent. Rather than asking “what does the text mean?”, formalism encourages us to explore how the text communicates its message, focusing on its construction, style, and the precise choices of language that make it a unique work of art.
Formalist approaches have shaped much of modern literary theory and criticism, particularly through the work of Russian formalists like Viktor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson. By emphasizing the formal elements of literature, such as narrative techniques, symbols, metaphors, and syntax, formalism invites readers to look deeper into the mechanics of storytelling. But what exactly does this mean for our reading of texts? How does formalism challenge us to reconsider the relationship between form and meaning, between style and substance? In this article, we’ll delve into formalism as a literary concept, examining its significance, applications, and implications across different genres, texts, and themes.
The Basics of Formalism: What Is It Really?
Formally, formalist criticism posits that a literary text should be analyzed based on its structure, language, and aesthetic qualities rather than the background or intentions of the author or its socio-political implications. This view draws upon the idea that the meaning of a text is not external to the text itself but emerges from the careful arrangement of words, sentences, and literary devices.
In its simplest form, formalism asks readers to engage with the text as an isolated entity—separate from the author’s biography, the historical context in which it was written, or the cultural influences that may have shaped it. Instead, it focuses on elements such as structure, rhyme, meter, and narrative perspective.
Formalist Approaches in Different Genres
Poetry and Structure: A Close Reading of Form and Function
One of the most notable places where formalism has thrived is in the realm of poetry. Take, for example, sonnets, which have a specific structure of 14 lines and a prescribed meter (usually iambic pentameter). The poem’s meaning is intricately tied to its form. In Shakespeare’s sonnets, the consistent use of the ABAB CDCD EFEF GG rhyme scheme, along with the tension created by the turn or volta at the ninth line, enhances the emotional depth and meaning of each poem.
Formalism encourages us to focus on how these structural choices—rhyme, meter, line breaks—serve the overall impact of the poem. In Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18 (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”), for instance, the very act of comparison is heightened by the rhythmic flow and rhyme scheme, drawing attention to the eternal nature of the subject’s beauty. A formalist reading of this poem would highlight how the form itself deepens the emotional resonance of the words.
Prose and Narrative Techniques: Plot, Pacing, and Language
In prose fiction, formalism prompts readers to closely examine how narrative techniques—such as point of view, pacing, dialogue, and symbolism—work together to create meaning. The structure of a narrative is often central to its impact on the reader. Take, for instance, Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway. Woolf’s use of stream-of-consciousness—a technique that records the inner thoughts of characters in a seemingly unstructured flow—aligns perfectly with the novel’s thematic concerns of mental fragmentation, time, and memory. A formalist reading would analyze how this technique, along with the novel’s non-linear time structure, disrupts traditional narrative expectations, deepening the emotional and psychological exploration of the characters.
Similarly, in Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, the absurdity of Gregor Samsa’s transformation into an insect is heightened by the disjointed narrative style. Kafka’s sparse language, paired with the fragmented plot, creates a sense of alienation, which reflects the protagonist’s existential crisis. Formalist critics would look closely at how these choices influence the emotional atmosphere and thematic concerns of the work, without delving into historical or biographical explanations of Kafka’s life.
Symbols and Motifs: A Deep Dive into Meaning
A key aspect of formalism is its insistence on the importance of symbols and motifs within a text. Rather than focusing on a text’s social or psychological implications, formalist criticism hones in on the ways in which objects, colors, or recurring phrases carry specific meanings that contribute to the text’s larger themes. Take, for instance, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock functions as a symbol of Gatsby’s unattainable dreams, and its representation of both hope and despair is conveyed through careful attention to its narrative function. The symbol is not just an ornamental feature; it is integral to the novel’s meaning, a product of Fitzgerald’s stylistic choices and the overall structure of the narrative.
In a formalist analysis, we would focus on how Fitzgerald’s use of this symbol, along with other stylistic elements like imagery and language, shapes the reader’s understanding of Gatsby’s obsession with the past and his idealization of Daisy. The text itself, independent of any external context, allows for the emergence of these meanings.
Formalisms and Intertextuality: A Web of Meaning
One of the more advanced aspects of formalism is its relationship to intertextuality—the idea that texts are always interconnected, borrowing from and responding to other works. Formalism embraces the idea that every literary text is part of a larger literary tradition, and that the form of a work can be enriched or complicated through its dialogue with other texts.
Take the example of T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land. Through references to works as diverse as the Bible, mythological texts, and contemporary literature, Eliot weaves a complex network of meanings into the fabric of the poem. Formalism allows us to see how these intertextual references contribute not just to the thematic depth of the work but also to its intricate structure. Each reference is a purposeful choice that enhances the overall aesthetic experience of the reader, and through intertextuality, the text’s form becomes a tool for generating meaning on multiple levels.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Formalism on Literary Criticism
Formalist criticism invites us to engage with literature on a deeper, more analytical level. By focusing on structure, style, and narrative techniques, we are encouraged to appreciate literature for its intrinsic artistic qualities, separate from the influences of history or biography. In this sense, formalism helps readers hone their critical skills, teaching them to read with a heightened awareness of the text’s formal elements.
As we reflect on the power of form and structure in literature, we might ask ourselves: How does the form of a text shape our emotional response to it? What are the symbolic elements within our favorite stories that have left a lasting impact on us? How do these symbols and structures help convey meaning in ways that transcend the author’s personal history or socio-political context?
In the end, formalism reminds us that literature is not just about what a text says, but how it says it—and in that “how” lies a transformative power that can shape our very understanding of the world.