7. Russian Formalism
Professor Paul Fry delineates the core tenets of Russian Formalism, distinguishing it from hermeneutics and exploring key concepts such as defamiliarization, the function of literary device, and the formalist distinction between plot and story. The lecture analyzes Boris Eikhenbaum's contributions and the movement's methodological aspirations.
Introduction to Theory of Literature (ENGL 300)
In this lecture, Professor Paul Fry explores the works of major Russian formalists reviewed in an essay by Boris Eikhenbaum. He begins by distinguishing Russian formalism from hermeneutics. Eikhenbaum's dependency on core ideas of Marxist and Darwinian philosophies of struggle and evolution is explained. Formalism's scientific language and methodical aspirations are discussed. Crucial formalist distinctions between plot and story, practical and poetic language, and literature and literariness are clarified.
6. The New Criticism and Other Western Formalisms
Next · Lecture 8Lecture 8: Semiotics and Structuralism (ENGL 300)
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