Defamiliarization

Definition

Defamiliarization is a literary technique that presents familiar concepts or objects in an unfamiliar way, prompting readers to see them from a fresh perspective. This technique encourages a reevaluation of everyday experiences and challenges preconceived notions, often evoking a sense of estrangement. In modernist poetry and prose, defamiliarization serves to break away from traditional narratives and styles, allowing for new interpretations and insights into both language and subject matter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Defamiliarization is rooted in Russian formalism and was notably discussed by Viktor Shklovsky in his essay 'Art as Technique'.
2. In modernist works, defamiliarization disrupts conventional narrative structures, encouraging readers to engage more actively with the text.
3. By making the familiar strange, this technique enhances perception and emphasizes the act of seeing as a form of understanding.
4. Defamiliarization can be found in various forms of modernist expression, including stream-of-consciousness writing and fragmented narratives.
5. Writers like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce effectively employed defamiliarization to challenge norms and provoke thought about everyday realities.

Review Questions

• How does defamiliarization function as a tool in modernist poetry and prose?
  • Defamiliarization functions as a crucial tool in modernist poetry and prose by shifting readers' perspectives on familiar subjects. It disrupts traditional narrative structures and compels readers to engage with texts on a deeper level. By presenting ordinary experiences in an unusual manner, writers like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce encourage us to reconsider our perceptions and understandings of reality.
• What role does imagery play in enhancing the effects of defamiliarization in literary works?
  • Imagery plays a vital role in enhancing the effects of defamiliarization by providing vivid descriptions that make familiar objects or ideas appear new and strange. By appealing to the senses, imagery can evoke strong emotional responses and provoke thought. In modernist literature, detailed imagery helps to illustrate how defamiliarization alters our perception, creating an immersive experience that challenges established views.
• Evaluate the impact of defamiliarization on contemporary literature compared to its use in early modernist works.
  • Defamiliarization has evolved significantly from its early modernist roots to its current applications in contemporary literature. While early modernist writers used it primarily to challenge narrative conventions and perceptions of reality, contemporary authors often employ it to explore identity, culture, and social issues. This shift reflects broader societal changes and showcases how defamiliarization remains relevant in provoking critical thought about both individual experiences and collective realities.

Related terms

estrangement: A feeling of alienation or disconnection from familiar surroundings, ideas, or people, often utilized in literature to evoke a sense of distance.

imagery: Descriptive language that creates vivid mental pictures, often used to enhance the effectiveness of defamiliarization by appealing to the senses.

surrealism: An artistic and literary movement that seeks to unleash the creative potential of the unconscious mind by presenting bizarre and dream-like scenes.