Blog 2

9/1-9/5 the class discussed and reflected on the usage of formalism. This form of criticism is very keen in sticking to what is right in front of your eyes as it lays on paper. The best way to describe it would be to break down a poem using the only reference you have, the poem itself. When breaking it down and explaining you want to focus on the 3 characteristics we learned which is the form, diction and unity of the poem. Its hard to approach a poem with out automatically thinking to research and find outside information to theorize the meaning based on info collected. To break it down you have to dig deep and remember the donts of formalism… No bibliography and no paraphrase! A very important note that I jotted down was that all parts are coherent. We were introduced to the poem Ode on a Grecian Urn which most of the class found difficult to understand however after reading the formalist take on it by Cleanth Brooks and group discussion on the formalist approach became a little more clear and noticeable. I enjoy the idea that “quotes in criticism help readers analyze a poem without even reading it.” This week was very interesting and I look forward to progressing with the diffrent forms of criticism and writing my 1st actual formalism critique

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