Which foundational concept of Russian Formalism, introduced by Viktor Shklovsky, describes the technique of making the familiar seem strange to enhance perception?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Defamiliarization
Shklovsky introduced 'ostranenie' (defamiliarization) to argue that the purpose of art is to lead the reader to a fresh perception of the world. By breaking the automatism of perception, literary language distinguishes itself from ordinary, practical language.
Keep practicing
More Formalism questions
- In Formalist narratology, what is the term for the chronological sequence of events as they would have occurred in reality?
- The New Criticism, an American form of Formalism, primarily emphasizes which of the following methods?
- According to W.K. Wimsatt and Monroe Beardsley, the 'Intentional Fallacy' occurs when a critic does what?
- Which critic is associated with the concept of 'The Heresy of Paraphrase'?
- Which term was used by Russian Formalists to describe the elements that distinguish literary language from everyday communication?
- In New Criticism, what is the term for a statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth, often seen as central to poe…