What is the formalistic approach?

The formalistic approach is a method of analysis that emphasizes the structure, form, and stylistic elements of a work, rather than its content or context. In literature, this involves examining aspects such as language, meter, rhyme, and narrative techniques to understand how they contribute to the overall meaning and experience of the text. This approach tends to prioritize the text itself over historical, social, or authorial influences, allowing for a close reading that highlights the intricacies of the work's composition.