Formalists vs. Realism

Attribute	Formalists	Realism
Focus	Form and style	Depiction of reality
Subject Matter	Emotions, sensations, and form	Everyday life, ordinary people
Technique	Emphasis on literary devices and structure	Attention to detail and accuracy
Interpretation	Focus on the text itself	Reflects reality and society

Definition

Formalism and Realism are two distinct literary movements that have had a significant impact on the world of literature. Formalism is a literary theory that emphasizes the structural elements of a text, such as form, style, and language, over its content. Realism, on the other hand, is a literary movement that seeks to portray life as it is, without idealization or romanticism.

Focus

One of the key differences between Formalism and Realism is their focus. Formalists pay close attention to the form and structure of a text, analyzing how these elements contribute to its overall meaning. Realists, on the other hand, focus on depicting reality as accurately as possible, often highlighting the struggles and hardships of everyday life.

Techniques

Formalists use a variety of techniques to analyze a text, such as close reading, which involves examining the language and style of a text in detail. They also pay attention to literary devices, such as metaphor and symbolism, and how they contribute to the overall meaning of a work. Realists, on the other hand, rely on techniques such as detailed descriptions, dialogue, and character development to create a realistic portrayal of life.

Representation of Reality

Formalists believe that reality is constructed through language and that the form of a text is crucial to its meaning. They argue that language shapes our perception of reality and that by analyzing the form of a text, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world. Realists, on the other hand, believe that reality exists independently of language and that their role as writers is to faithfully represent the world as it is.

Emotion vs. Objectivity

Formalists tend to prioritize the emotional impact of a text, focusing on how the form and style of a work evoke certain feelings in the reader. They believe that literature should elicit an emotional response and that the form of a text plays a crucial role in achieving this. Realists, on the other hand, strive for objectivity in their portrayal of reality, aiming to present a clear and accurate depiction of the world without bias or sentimentality.

Historical Context

Formalism emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the dominant literary theories of the time, such as Romanticism and Realism. It was championed by critics such as Viktor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson, who sought to shift the focus of literary analysis from content to form. Realism, on the other hand, has its roots in the 19th century, with writers such as Gustave Flaubert and Leo Tolstoy seeking to capture the realities of everyday life in their works.

Impact on Literature

Both Formalism and Realism have had a lasting impact on literature, influencing the way writers approach their craft and how readers interpret texts. Formalism has led to a greater appreciation of the formal elements of a text, such as structure and style, while Realism has encouraged writers to portray life as it is, without embellishment or idealization. Both movements continue to shape the way we think about and engage with literature today.