lesson 2 Flashcards
is an approach that concentrates solely on the text itself. The idea is that everything you need to understand a work of literature is contained within the work itself — the words, the structure, the characters, the symbols, and the language used.
Formalist Criticism
It is a Key Element where formalists believe that the text should be studied without considering the author’s intentions or the historical context. What matters is what is written on the page.
Text as Self-Contained
It is a Key Element where formalist critics pay close attention to how the author uses literary devices.
Focus on Literary Devices
It is under the Focus on Literary Devices whereas descriptive language that appeals to the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch).
Imagery
It is under the Focus on Literary Devices whereas objects, characters, or events that represent something beyond their literal meaning.
Symbolism
It is under the Focus on Literary Devices whereas comparing two things to add depth and understanding.
Metaphor and Simile
It is under the Focus on Literary Devices whereas a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.
Irony
The way the story is organized is important in Formalist Criticism. Critics look at the narrative structure — whether it’s linear or non-linear, the use of flashbacks, the order of events, and how these elements affect the story’s meaning.
Structure and Form
A key idea in Formalist Criticism is that every part of the text contributes to its overall meaning. If a novel or poem doesn’t seem to make sense at first, Formalists would look for how all the pieces - the plot, characters, symbols, etc. — come together to form a unified whole.
Unity of the Text
are tools that authors use to convey meaning, evoke emotions, and enhance their storytelling.
Formalist critics closely examine these devices to uncover deeper layers of meaning in the text.
Literary Devices
is when the author uses descriptive language to create vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. It appeals to the senses - sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell - helping readers experience the world of the text more fully.
Imagery
Both - and - compare two things to highlight similarities. A 1.__ uses “like” or “as” (e.g.,
“Her smile was as bright as the sun”), while a 2.__ makes a direct comparison (e.g., “Her smile was the sun “).
- Simile
- Metaphor
A 1.__ is an object, character, or event that represents something beyond its literal meaning. Authors use - to convey deeper meanings or abstract ideas.
Symbolism
- Symbol
It is when there’s a contrast between what is expected and what actually happens. It can create humor, suspense, or a sense of tragic inevitability.
Irony
It is when an author gives hints or clues about events that will happen later in the story.
Foreshadowing
This is where:
- 1.__ refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject or audience (e.g., serious, humorous, sarcastic).
- 2.__ refers to the feeling or atmosphere created in the reader (e.g., tense, joyful, eerie).
- Tone
- Mood
In Formalism Criticism, what structure should you use?
Gustav Freytag’s Pyramid
One of the key literary devices used in The Necklace is 1.__. The most striking form of - is 2.__. Madame Loisel spends ten years in poverty to replace a necklace she believed was priceless, only to learn that it was a cheap imitation. This twist highlights the theme that material wealth and social status are often illusions, and chasing after them can lead to unexpected consequences. The necklace itself serves as a symbol of this illusion, representing Madame Loisel’s desire for a life of luxury that ultimately brings her misery.
- Irony
- Situational Irony
