The Basis of Formalism and Its Limitations

Many opinions have been discussed about the place of literature in society so far. The overwhelming majority is opinion that a mirror society. On other hand, Formalism, as literary theory, argues purpose literariness. Therefore, it accepted rebellion against understanding dating back to 1900s. Instead, suggested work should be studied text-oriented. Furthermore, Formalists argue language examined terms its elements, intrinsic, rather than extrinsic. That reason why they are criticized by critics focusing on biographical, sociological, psychological, religious or historical issues. Their approach draws those Ferdinand de Saussure. Combining views many theorists, make text-oriented studies. Formalism often confused with official legal correspondence. formalist criticism associated and correspondence linguistics. However, etymologically, word not related formality but form. considered period which was born. Besides, has different dimensions. applied varying techniques both poetry prose. This study seeks answer such questions what is, how prose, made for it. At end study, one expected reader-level knowledge Formalist criticism.