Viktor Shklovsky

Definition

Viktor Shklovsky was a Russian literary theorist and writer, best known for his contributions to the formalist movement in the early 20th century. His concept of 'defamiliarization' emphasized the importance of making the familiar strange to enhance perception and understanding in literature. Shklovsky's ideas played a crucial role in the historical development of literary theory, especially in how literature is analyzed and interpreted.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shklovsky's essay 'Art as Technique' outlines his key ideas about defamiliarization and how it can disrupt automatic perception, making readers more aware of artistic forms.
2. He was a prominent figure in the Russian Formalism movement, which challenged traditional literary criticism by emphasizing structure and form over thematic content.
3. Shklovsky believed that the purpose of art is to increase the complexity of perception by presenting reality in a new light.
4. He wrote extensively on various literary topics, including prose, poetry, and narrative structure, influencing future generations of critics and theorists.
5. His work laid the groundwork for later developments in literary theory, particularly structuralism and post-structuralism.

Review Questions

• How did Viktor Shklovsky's concept of defamiliarization change the way we understand literary texts?
  • Shklovsky's concept of defamiliarization changed our understanding of literary texts by encouraging readers to engage with familiar elements in a new way. By making the ordinary seem strange, it forces readers to reconsider their perceptions and experiences. This technique not only highlights the artistic choices made by writers but also deepens the reader's engagement with the text, allowing for a richer interpretation.
• Evaluate the impact of Russian Formalism, with a focus on Shklovsky's contributions to the movement.
  • Russian Formalism had a significant impact on literary theory by shifting the focus from authorial intent and historical context to the form and structure of texts themselves. Shklovsky’s contributions, particularly his ideas about defamiliarization and the nature of art, challenged traditional notions of literature. His emphasis on analyzing how narrative techniques shape reader experience has influenced modern critical approaches and paved the way for various schools of thought within literary studies.
• Synthesize Shklovsky's ideas with contemporary literary theory to assess their relevance today.
  • Shklovsky's ideas about defamiliarization remain relevant in contemporary literary theory as they align with postmodern approaches that question representation and meaning. By emphasizing how texts can reshape our understanding of reality, his work resonates with current discussions on reader-response theory and interpretive communities. As literature continues to evolve, Shklovsky’s insights encourage ongoing exploration of how form influences meaning and how readers interact with texts, fostering a dynamic dialogue between past theories and modern interpretations.

Related terms

Defamiliarization: A technique introduced by Shklovsky that involves presenting familiar objects or concepts in a way that makes them appear strange, prompting readers to see them with fresh eyes.

Russian Formalism: A school of literary theory that emerged in Russia in the early 20th century, focusing on the formal elements of literature rather than its content or historical context.

Literary Device: Techniques used by authors to create meaning, evoke emotions, and enhance their narrative through various stylistic elements.