The Russian Formalists: Revolutionizing Literary Theory

*The Russian Formalists: Revolutionizing Literary Theory*

In the early 20th century, a group of literary critics and theorists emerged in Russia, challenging traditional approaches to literature. The Russian Formalists, as they came to be known, sought to revolutionize literary theory by shifting the focus from meaning and interpretation to the very fabric of literary texts themselves. This movement, led by figures such as Viktor Shklovsky, Roman Jakobson, and Boris Eikhenbaum, emphasized the importance of "literariness" – the unique devices and techniques that make a text literary.

*A New Approach to Literature*

The Russian Formalists rejected the traditional hermeneutic approach to literature, which sought to uncover meaning and interpretation. Instead, they focused on the structural elements of texts, examining how they were put together and how they functioned. This approach was influenced by the work of Ferdinand de Saussure, a Swiss linguist who laid the groundwork for structuralism.

*Literariness and Defamiliarization*

At the heart of Russian Formalist theory is the concept of literariness – the quality that makes a text literary. This is achieved through various devices, such as imagery, rhythm, and meter, which create a unique and palpable form. The Formalists argued that these devices serve to defamiliarize the reader, making them see the world in a new and fresh way. This process of defamiliarization is essential to the literary experience.

*The Struggle for Science*

The Russian Formalists saw their work as a scientific endeavor, seeking to establish a systematic and rigorous approach to literary analysis. They drew on the ideas of Marx and Darwin, emphasizing the importance of struggle and evolution in literary development. This approach was seen as a challenge to traditional academic approaches to literature, which were viewed as unsystematic and lacking in rigor.

*The Historical Context*

The Russian Formalists were writing in a time of great social and political upheaval. The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 had brought about significant changes in Russian society, and the Formalists were influenced by these events. Their work can be seen as a response to the growing bureaucratization of society, seeking to challenge the dullness and uniformity of everyday life.

*Legacy of the Russian Formalists*

The Russian Formalists had a profound influence on literary theory, paving the way for structuralism and post-structuralism. Their emphasis on literariness and defamiliarization continues to shape literary analysis today. Their work also influenced other fields, such as art and architecture, and their ideas about the importance of form and structure can be seen in the work of modernist artists and writers.

In conclusion, the Russian Formalists were a group of revolutionary thinkers who challenged traditional approaches to literature and paved the way for new and innovative ways of understanding literary texts. Their emphasis on literariness, defamiliarization, and the importance of form and structure continues to shape literary theory and analysis today.