What is a Formalist Example? A Literary Perspective
As we dive into the world of literature, one thing becomes abundantly clear: words have immense power. They do not just convey meaning; they transform reality, shift perspectives, and provide an intricate lens through which we can understand the world around us. Writers, with their delicate manipulation of language, shape worlds within the boundaries of their words. But how are these words structured? How does a writer’s form—their use of syntax, structure, and style—affect the meaning of their work? These are essential questions in understanding what we now refer to as formalist criticism, a perspective that focuses on the text itself—its form, structure, and language—without delving into external contexts like history or psychology.
In this post, we will explore formalist examples in literature through an examination of various texts and characters. We will contrast the rational and structured approach of male characters with the emotional and relational style often seen in female characters. Both perspectives provide valuable insight into the ways form and structure influence meaning in literature.
What is Formalism in Literature?
At its core, formalist criticism asserts that the meaning of a text can be found solely within the text itself. It encourages readers to focus on the literary devices, such as syntax, meter, symbolism, narrative structure, and language, that constitute the text. For formalists, the text is its own world; everything the reader needs to understand and interpret it is contained within its boundaries.
A formalist approach to reading would dissect how sentence structure conveys emotion, how rhyme or rhythm in a poem creates tone, and how symbolism in a narrative develops a theme. Rather than asking about the author’s life or historical context, formalism insists that meaning resides within the form of the writing itself.
Formalist Examples: Dissecting Form and Structure
To demonstrate formalism in action, let’s look at a few examples:
1. T.S. Eliot’s “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock”
In this poem, the form is fragmented, mirroring the psychological fragmentation of the protagonist. The stream-of-consciousness technique and the irregular rhyme scheme are significant formalist elements. They reflect Prufrock’s inner turmoil and his inability to connect with the world around him. A formalist reading would pay close attention to how these literary devices contribute to the poem’s meaning. The enjambment, or line breaks without punctuation, creates a sense of urgency and emotional instability.
2. Shakespeare’s “Macbeth”
In Macbeth, the structure of the play—its use of soliloquies and dialogue—is crucial to understanding the psychological development of the characters, particularly Macbeth. When he speaks his soliloquy before murdering King Duncan, the rhythm and language used highlight his inner conflict and moral struggle. The pacing and repetition of words like “will” and “fear” emphasize his obsession with fate and control. A formalist analysis would focus on the structure of the lines, the placement of key soliloquies, and the dramatic contrasts between Macbeth’s thoughts and actions.
3. Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway”
Woolf’s narrative structure in Mrs. Dalloway is non-linear, with multiple perspectives intertwining. The stream of consciousness technique that she employs allows readers to see the inner lives of Clarissa Dalloway, Septimus Warren Smith, and others. The structure is fragmented, jumping from one thought to another, a formalist might argue that this form mirrors the characters’ subjective experiences. Woolf’s use of punctuation (or lack thereof), syntax, and repetition reinforces the emotional weight of the characters’ experiences.
Male vs. Female Narrative Styles: Formalism and Gender Perspectives
While formalist criticism primarily focuses on structure and form, we can also consider how gender influences the way form is shaped. Men and women in literature, especially in earlier works, often express themselves in contrasting ways, which can be reflected in the form of their narratives.
Male Characters: Rational and Structured Approaches
Male characters in literature tend to employ more rational and structured narrative forms. Their language is often precise, clear, and goal-oriented, reflecting a tendency toward logical and problem-solving thinking. For example, consider Hemingway’s protagonists in works like The Old Man and the Sea. Hemingway’s writing is minimalist, with short, declarative sentences and a focus on action. The form mirrors the clarity and directness of the male characters, who are typically depicted as rational, isolated, and focused on individual achievement.
Similarly, Kafka’s The Metamorphosis uses a highly structured narrative that emphasizes the alienation of Gregor Samsa. The formal structure of the text mirrors Gregor’s gradual disintegration as he transforms into an insect, and his emotional and physical isolation becomes more pronounced. The structure of the work is deliberate, with no room for deviation from the cold, mechanical existence Gregor endures.
Female Characters: Emotional and Relational Approaches
On the other hand, female characters often employ more emotional and relational forms of expression. Their narratives may be more descriptive, fluid, and introspective, highlighting the importance of connection and interpersonal relationships. Consider Virginia Woolf’s writing, where her female characters often experience conflict not through external action but through emotional and psychological turbulence. In Mrs. Dalloway, Clarissa Dalloway’s thoughts move fluidly between the past and the present, reflecting her emotional connections to other characters and her own inner conflicts.
Another example is Toni Morrison’s Beloved, where the form and structure of the novel mimic the fragmentation of the characters’ experiences and histories. The nonlinear narrative reflects the emotional weight of slavery and trauma. Morrison uses interior monologues and shifting perspectives to create a fragmented structure that parallels the characters’ fractured sense of self and their quest for emotional and cultural healing.
Formalism and Its Impact: The Power of Structure in Meaning
Formalist criticism reveals the power of structure in literature. Whether through the rationalism of male characters or the emotional depth of female narratives, the form in which a story is told shapes the meaning and impact of that story. Form is not just an external element of the text; it is the vehicle through which the writer communicates meaning. The balance between rationality and emotion, structure and fluidity, gives us a deeper understanding of the text itself, providing layers of interpretation for the reader.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Literary Form and Gender
In our exploration of formalism, we’ve seen how form, as a fundamental component of literature, influences our understanding of a text. From the rational structure of male characters to the emotionally fluid narratives of women, the form through which a story is told is just as important as the story itself.
What form do you gravitate towards as a reader or writer? Do you notice a difference in the structure of stories told by male and female authors? How do structure and form influence your interpretation of a text? Share your thoughts and reflections in the comments below.