Introduction to Theory of Literature (ENGL 300)
In this lecture, Professor Paul Fry explores the works of major Russian formalists reviewed in an essay by Boris Eikhenbaum. He begins by distinguishing Russian formalism from hermeneutics. Eikhenbaum's dependency on core ideas of Marxist and Darwinian philosophies of struggle and evolution is explained. Formalism's scientific language and methodical aspirations are discussed. Crucial formalist distinctions between plot and story, practical and poetic language, and literature and literariness are clarified.
00:00 - Chapter 1. Introduction to the Russian Formalist Tradition
09:22 - Chapter 2. Boris Eikhenbaum
20:02 - Chapter 3. Criticism of Perception: Defamiliarization
24:51 - Chapter 4. Poetic Language and Practical Language
30:30 - Chapter 5. Device as a Function
35:36 - Chapter 6. Plot and Story
41:25 - Chapter 7. The Literary as Historiography
Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: open.yale.edu/courses
This course was recorded in Spring 2009.