Lit.Guruji

Fabula and Syuzhet – Meaning, Difference and Narrative Theory Introduction Fabula and Syuzhet are important concepts associated with Russian Formalism and the study of narrative structure. These terms help us understand the difference between: What happens in a story , and How those events are presented to the reader . The distinction is especially important for students preparing for UGC NET, SET, university examinations, and English Literature courses . In simple terms: Fabula = Story Syuzhet = Plot / Presentation of the story The concepts are closely associated with Russian Formalist thinkers, particularly Viktor Shklovsky and Boris Tomashevsky . 1. What is Fabula? Fabula refers to the chronological sequence of events that make up a story. It is the underlying story reconstructed by the reader. The events are considered in their logical and chronological order . Simple definition: Fabula = What happened? For example, imagine a story contains these events: A boy leaves his villag...

Roman Jakobson – Life, Literary Theory and Poetics Introduction Roman Jakobson (1896–1982) was one of the most influential figures in Russian Formalism, Structuralism, linguistics, and literary theory . His work helped establish a strong connection between language and literature . Jakobson believed that literary studies should pay close attention to the structure and functioning of language . His ideas about poetic language, the functions of language, metaphor and metonymy, and communication became highly influential in modern literary criticism. For students of UGC NET, SET, university examinations, and English Literature , Jakobson is an important theorist to study because his ideas connect Russian Formalism with Structuralism . 1. Who Was Roman Jakobson? Roman Jakobson was born in Moscow in 1896 . He became an important member of the Russian Formalist movement and later played a major role in the development of Structuralist linguistics . His intellectual career can broadly be co...

Viktor Shklovsky – Life, Works and Literary Theory Introduction Viktor Borisovich Shklovsky (1893–1984) was a Russian writer, literary critic, theorist, and one of the leading figures of Russian Formalism . He is best known in literary theory for the concept of defamiliarization , or ostranenie , which explains how art makes familiar things appear strange and renews our perception of them. Shklovsky's ideas played an important role in the development of modern literary theory, particularly in the study of literary form, poetic language, narrative technique, and literariness . Who Was Viktor Shklovsky? Viktor Shklovsky was born in 1893 in St. Petersburg, Russia . He became an important member of the Russian Formalist movement during the early twentieth century. Shklovsky was associated with OPOYAZ , an organization devoted to the study of poetic language. He worked across several fields, including: Literary criticism Literary theory Fiction Memoir Film Linguistics and poetics He di...

Defamiliarization – Viktor Shklovsky Introduction Defamiliarization is one of the most important concepts in Russian Formalism . The term is associated primarily with the Russian literary critic Viktor Shklovsky . Defamiliarization means presenting familiar objects, experiences, or ideas in an unusual or strange way so that the reader perceives them afresh. The Russian term for this concept is ostranenie , often translated as “making strange.” It is an important concept for students preparing for UGC NET English, SET, university examinations, and literary theory examinations . What is Defamiliarization? In everyday life, people become accustomed to things they see and experience repeatedly. As a result, they may stop consciously noticing them. Shklovsky argues that art renews perception . Literature uses unusual language, images, descriptions, structures, and techniques to make familiar things appear unfamiliar. In simple words: Defamiliarization makes the familiar seem strange so tha...

Formalism – Complete Study Material Introduction Formalism is one of the most important approaches in modern literary theory. It focuses primarily on the literary text itself —its language, structure, form, style, imagery, sound, narrative techniques, and other artistic devices. Formalists argue that literature should be studied as a form of art rather than primarily through the author's biography, historical background, political circumstances, or personal intentions. What is Formalism? Formalism is a school of literary criticism that emphasizes the form and techniques of a literary work . The central question is: What makes a literary work literary? Formalists attempt to answer this by examining the special use of language and artistic techniques in literature. Instead of asking: What was the author's personal life? What historical event influenced the author? What did the author intend? a Formalist critic asks: How is the text constructed? What literary devices does it use?...