Origins of Western Formalism

Author: Liu Wanyong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: This is an academic monograph that systematically explores the origins and relationships of modern formalist literary theory. The book does not merely satisfy itself with defining what formalist literary theory is; rather, it places various formalist schools within the historical context of Western literary theory and aesthetics, delving deeply into the underlying "truth" behind their theoretical claims. The book begins with the controversial "Ontology of Literature," through a critical examination of traditional metaphysics, situates traditional culture and modern formalist theory within the tradition of Western philosophy under the influence of metaphysical philosophy. It traces the origins of formalist literary theory from two levels: modes of thinking and value concepts. The establishment of the literary essence theory, literary form theory, literary language theory, and literary science theory of modern formalism is a reassertion and rewriting of the once neglected or even suppressed independent value of literature. While modern formalist theory inherits, rebels against, and transcends traditional literary theory, it also discards the reasonable aspects of traditional theory, leading to an absolutized reverence for the text. As a result, literary studies gain legitimacy, transcendence, and sanctity, but at the same time lose effectiveness, reality, and humanity.