Boris Eichenbaum

Boris Eichenbaum was a key figure in Russian Formalism, a literary theory that emphasizes the form and structure of a text over its content or historical context. He argued that literature should be studied as an autonomous system of signs, focusing on how literary devices create meaning and evoke emotions. Eichenbaum believed that analyzing form helps reveal the unique qualities of literature, distinguishing it from other forms of communication. His work contributed to understanding the mechanics of narrative and the role of aesthetic experience in literature, shaping modern literary criticism.