Detailed Explanation and Notes on Formalism.

 What is Formalism?

Formalism is

a school of literary criticism and theory that focuses exclusively on the structural, technical, and linguistic elements of a text—such as rhythm, meter, plot, and style—rather than external context.

 

 Many literary critics considered form and style to be the best measures of quality in literature, introducing formalism literary theory. Formalism is known for excluding factors such as authorial intent, and the cultural and sociopolitical background of a text.

 

Origin (Russia)

• Formalism began in Russia

• Around 1915–1930

• Developed by a group called the Russian Formalists