Russian Formalism Concepts and Principles

The video introduces Russian Formalism, a 20th-century literary criticism school, highlighting its origins, key figures, and theoretical foundations. It explains how Formalism focuses on analyzing the inherent features of texts, such as grammar and literary devices, while minimizing historical and cultural contexts. The video discusses the influence of linguistic theory and symbolism on Formalism, its impact, and its opposition, particularly from Marxist critics. It concludes with Formalism's legacy in Western criticism, notably through Roman Jacobson and New Criticism.

What is Russian Formalism primarily concerned with?

• The inherent features of a text

• The cultural impact of a text

• The author's biography

• The historical context of a text

Which group was NOT part of the origin of Russian Formalism?

• St. Petersburg Society

• Moscow Linguistic Circle

• Russian Futurists

• Opojaz

What does the formalistic approach emphasize?

• Cultural influences

• Inherent textual features

• Biographical details

• Historical context

Which of the following is NOT a feature analyzed by formalists?

• Literary devices

• Syntax

• Grammar

• Author's intent

What does the formalistic approach reduce the importance of?

• Textual features

• Syntax

• Historical context

• Literary devices

Which theory partly influenced the formalists?

• Postmodern theory

• Linguistic theory of Ferdinand de Saussure

• Marxist theory

• Psychoanalytic theory

What did formalists aim to achieve in their critical discourse?

• Cultural analysis

• Scientific objectivity

• Subjectivity

• Biographical interpretation

Which group was allied with formalists at one point?

• Russian Futurists

• Marxist critics

• Symbolists

• Structuralists

What did formalists oppose in their criticism?

• Literary devices

• Scientific objectivity

• Sociological criticism

• Linguistic analysis

What is the concept of 'defamiliarization' in formalism?

• Making language more common

• Altering language artistically

• Focusing on content over form

• Ignoring literary devices