Dominant

Definition

In literary theory, the term 'dominant' refers to the prevailing or most influential elements within a text or a cultural context that shape meaning and interpretation. This concept often addresses how certain themes, ideologies, or narrative techniques can overshadow others, establishing a hierarchy of significance in literary works. Understanding what is dominant helps in analyzing the structures and values that govern both the creation and reception of texts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of the dominant is closely associated with Russian Formalism's focus on the 'literariness' of a text, emphasizing formal devices that create meaning.
2. In the context of formalism, the dominant can refer to specific literary techniques that define a work's unique characteristics, such as imagery or symbolism.
3. Viktor Shklovsky, a key figure in Russian Formalism, introduced the idea of 'defamiliarization,' which highlights how dominant elements can make the familiar seem strange and evoke new interpretations.
4. The dominant element in a narrative can also influence reader response, determining how audiences perceive and relate to various themes or characters.
5. Understanding what is dominant in a text can reveal underlying ideologies and cultural narratives that inform both the work itself and its historical context.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of dominance relate to the analysis of literary texts within Russian Formalism?
  • In Russian Formalism, the concept of dominance plays a crucial role in understanding how specific literary techniques contribute to a text's overall meaning. By identifying dominant elements such as structure, style, and form, critics can analyze how these components interact to create 'literariness.' This analysis reveals the ways in which certain aspects overshadow others, guiding reader interpretation and enhancing the text's emotional impact.
• Discuss how Viktor Shklovsky's idea of defamiliarization connects to the notion of dominant elements in literature.
  • Viktor Shklovsky's idea of defamiliarization is directly tied to the notion of dominant elements because it emphasizes how familiar objects or concepts can be presented in new ways to shift reader perception. By focusing on dominant literary techniques that make everyday experiences seem strange or unfamiliar, authors can challenge conventional meanings and encourage deeper engagement with their work. This approach reveals how dominant strategies can reshape narratives and influence audience understanding.
• Evaluate the significance of identifying dominant themes in literature for understanding cultural narratives and ideologies.
  • Identifying dominant themes in literature is essential for uncovering the underlying cultural narratives and ideologies that shape society. By analyzing what is considered dominant within a text, readers can critically assess how these themes reflect or challenge societal values and beliefs. This evaluation not only enhances comprehension of individual works but also contributes to broader discussions about cultural power dynamics, offering insight into how literature influences and is influenced by its social context.

Related terms

Hegemony: The dominance of one group over others, often maintained through cultural means and social consensus, influencing how narratives are constructed and understood.

Intertextuality: The relationship between texts, where one text references or draws upon another, allowing dominant themes to emerge through comparison and contrast.

Genre: A category of literary composition characterized by similarities in style, form, or content, which can dictate dominant conventions within a particular type of literature.