Boris Eichenbaum

Definition

Boris Eichenbaum was a prominent Russian literary theorist and critic known for his contributions to Russian Formalism, a movement that emphasized the study of literary structures and techniques over the content of literature. He played a critical role in the development of Formalist thought, focusing on the artistic devices of literature and how they shape meaning, which shifted the focus from the author and historical context to the text itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eichenbaum co-founded the OPOYAZ (Society for the Study of Poetic Language) in 1916, which became a central organization for Russian Formalism.
2. He argued that literature should be studied as an autonomous structure with its own rules and functions, independent of social or political influences.
3. Eichenbaum's essay 'The Theory of the Formal Method' laid down key principles for understanding literature through its form rather than its content.
4. His work contributed to establishing a methodological approach that would influence both Soviet literary criticism and subsequent literary theories around the world.
5. Eichenbaum also engaged in debates about the role of literature during political changes in Russia, analyzing how artistic expression interacted with cultural shifts.

Review Questions

• How did Boris Eichenbaum's contributions influence the perspective of literature within Russian Formalism?
  • Boris Eichenbaum significantly shaped the Russian Formalist movement by emphasizing the analysis of literary form over content. His focus on the structures and techniques used in literature allowed critics to assess texts independently from their historical or biographical contexts. This shift not only changed how literature was studied in Russia but also provided a framework that influenced future literary theories globally.
• In what ways did Eichenbaum's concept of defamiliarization enhance our understanding of literary texts?
  • Eichenbaum's concept of defamiliarization highlights how familiar experiences can be presented in new ways to provoke deeper engagement and awareness from readers. This technique serves to disrupt habitual perceptions and encourage fresh interpretations, ultimately enhancing the reader's experience. By emphasizing this method, Eichenbaum positioned literary devices as crucial tools for revealing underlying meanings within texts.
• Critically assess how Eichenbaum's theories might apply to contemporary literary analysis, considering modern themes and mediums.
  • Boris Eichenbaum's theories can still resonate in contemporary literary analysis by encouraging a focus on form and technique across various media. In today's digital age, where literature often intertwines with visual and interactive elements, his emphasis on structural analysis allows critics to explore how these new forms influence narrative and meaning. By applying Eichenbaum's insights, scholars can navigate modern works that challenge traditional storytelling conventions while still valuing artistic expression's formal aspects.

Related terms

Russian Formalism: A school of literary criticism that emerged in Russia in the early 20th century, focusing on the formal properties of texts and their structure rather than historical or biographical contexts.

Defamiliarization: A concept introduced by Russian Formalists, particularly Eichenbaum and Viktor Shklovsky, referring to the technique of presenting familiar objects or experiences in an unfamiliar way to enhance perception and make the ordinary seem new.

Literary Device: Techniques used by writers to produce specific effects in their writing, which include tools like metaphor, imagery, and symbolism that Eichenbaum analyzed within texts.