7. Russian Formalism

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. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Introduction to the Russian Formalist Tradition 09:22 - Chapter 2. Boris Eikhenbaum 20:02 - Chapter 3. Criticism of Perception: Defamiliarization 24:51 - Chapter 4. Poetic Language and Practical Language 30:30 - Chapter 5. Device as a Function 35:36 - Chapter 6. Plot and Story 41:25 - Chapter 7. The Literary as Historiography Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: This course was recorded in Spring 2009.