The Formalist School

The Formalist School is a method of analyzing literature and art that focuses on the internal elements of a work—such as its structure, language, and style—rather than external factors like historical context or author biography. It emphasizes understanding how the form and techniques contribute to the meaning and aesthetic experience of the piece. Essentially, Formalism seeks to appreciate the work based on its own qualities, encouraging close, detailed analysis of how everything fits together to create its effect, rather than relying on outside information.