What is a Formalist Criticism? A Psychological Perspective
As someone who has always been intrigued by the ways in which human behavior unfolds, I find myself constantly drawn to understanding the underlying cognitive and emotional processes that guide our decisions, perceptions, and interactions. Literature and art have long been used as tools to reflect the human experience, offering us a lens through which we can examine not just characters and plots, but the complexities of our own minds. One such lens, formalist criticism, focuses on the structure and form of a work rather than its psychological underpinnings. But how does formalist criticism align with psychological theories, and can it provide insights into the cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of human behavior? Let’s explore this fascinating connection.
The Core of Formalist Criticism
Formalist criticism, at its core, is a method of literary analysis that emphasizes the form, structure, and technical aspects of a work of art rather than its social context or the psychological development of its characters. This approach looks closely at elements like plot structure, diction, imagery, and style to derive meaning from a text, often distancing itself from broader cultural or emotional interpretations. While it has its roots in Russian formalism, the principles of this approach have permeated literary criticism over the decades.
However, when we consider formalist criticism through the lens of psychology, we begin to see its potential for offering insights into how humans process and interpret the world around them. How does our brain approach a structured text? What emotional and cognitive reactions do we have when engaging with a piece of art that follows specific formal rules?
Cognitive Psychology and Formalist Criticism
Cognitive psychology studies the mental processes involved in perception, memory, and decision-making, and it plays a key role in how we interpret literary works from a formalist perspective. When we engage with a piece of writing, our brains automatically break it down into recognizable patterns—whether it’s recognizing the rhythm of a poem, the flow of a narrative, or the juxtaposition of images. This is similar to how we recognize patterns in everyday life, such as social cues or the emotional tone of a conversation.
Research into cognitive psychology reveals that humans are particularly adept at recognizing and processing structured patterns, often without conscious effort. A 2017 meta-analysis in Psychological Science explored the concept of cognitive fluency, which refers to the ease with which our brains process familiar patterns. The study found that we tend to associate greater aesthetic value with art that is structured in ways we can easily understand or predict.
In the context of formalist criticism, the cognitive processes at play could be seen as our brain’s reaction to the formal elements of a literary text. For example, when reading a sonnet or a well-crafted narrative, we might subconsciously align our cognitive patterns with the structure of the work, finding enjoyment in the predictability of its rhythm, rhyme, or plot trajectory. This interaction can lead to greater engagement with the text, reinforcing the importance of structure in both our cognitive processing and emotional response.
Question to Ponder:
How often do we, as readers, recognize the pleasure we derive from the structure of a work—whether it’s the suspense of a plot or the rhythm of a poem—without consciously realizing that our brain is responding to these formal elements?
Emotional Psychology and Formalist Criticism
Emotions play a central role in the way we interpret and respond to art. While formalist criticism focuses on the aesthetic features of a text, emotional psychology investigates how we feel when engaging with those features. From an emotional psychology standpoint, the structured nature of a literary work may evoke particular emotions, ranging from joy to sorrow, depending on how well the form aligns with our emotional expectations.
Research into emotional intelligence (EQ), particularly in the context of narrative storytelling, highlights the significance of structure in influencing emotional responses. In a 2020 study published in Emotion Review, researchers examined the emotional impact of stories that followed a specific narrative structure versus those that did not. The study revealed that stories with well-established structures—such as rising action, climax, and resolution—tended to generate more emotionally intense responses from readers. This suggests that emotional engagement can be heightened when a work follows formal conventions that align with our emotional processing.
From a formalist perspective, the structured elements of a text—such as its pacing, narrative progression, and imagery—are crucial in eliciting an emotional response. As readers, we may not always be aware of how these structural elements influence our feelings, but they shape our emotional experiences nonetheless. Whether it’s the suspense of a mystery novel or the catharsis of a tragedy, formal elements guide our emotional engagement with a work.
Emotional Intelligence and Social Interactions:
When examining formalist criticism through the lens of emotional intelligence, it becomes clear that our ability to process and understand emotions—both in ourselves and others—can enhance our engagement with structured artistic works. A person with high emotional intelligence might be better equipped to appreciate the emotional subtleties embedded in a narrative’s structure. They may even detect emotional cues that others miss, deepening their connection to the work.
Question to Ponder:
Have you ever felt deeply moved by a story, only to later realize that your emotional response was tied to the predictable emotional structure of the narrative rather than the content itself?
Social Psychology and Formalist Criticism
Social psychology focuses on how individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by the presence of others. Although formalist criticism is primarily concerned with the text itself, it’s impossible to ignore the social and cultural context in which the work is produced and consumed. The structured nature of a work—whether in its narrative arc, character development, or thematic elements—can be shaped by societal norms and values.
A key concept in social psychology is social influence, which refers to how people’s attitudes and behaviors are affected by the presence or actions of others. When we engage with a literary work, our understanding and interpretation are influenced not only by the formal structure of the text but also by the social environment in which we read it. For instance, a piece of literature that explores themes of power, inequality, or social justice may resonate differently depending on the reader’s own experiences and societal context.
Furthermore, research into group dynamics and conformity reveals that readers often interpret texts through the lens of their social group’s norms and values. Formalist criticism, in this sense, may overlook how social forces influence our emotional and cognitive responses to art, yet these factors play a significant role in shaping how we engage with formal elements.
Question to Ponder:
How do the social norms and values you hold shape your perception of formalist elements in a work? For instance, does a traditional narrative structure align with your expectations of justice or morality in a story?
Conclusion
Formalist criticism, when viewed through the lens of cognitive, emotional, and social psychology, provides a deeper understanding of how structured elements in literature resonate with our minds. Cognitive processes help us recognize and engage with patterns, emotional intelligence enhances our emotional response to formal structures, and social influences shape our interpretation of the text’s meaning. By considering these psychological dimensions, we can see how formalist elements do more than just shape the work—they shape our very experience of the work itself.
As we reflect on these insights, it becomes apparent that formalist criticism offers more than just an academic lens for analyzing structure. It invites us to reconsider how we process, feel, and interact with the art we consume. So, next time you engage with a structured piece of literature, consider not just the form, but the psychological processes guiding your experience. How does the text speak to your mind, your emotions, and your social context?