Viktor Shklovsky's essay "Art as Technique" is a foundational work in the field of literary theory, particularly within the Russian Formalist movement. In this essay, Shklovsky introduces the concept of defamiliarization, also known as ostranenie or "making strange."
Here are some literary devices, themes, and symbols associated with "Art as Technique":
Literary Devices:
1. Defamiliarization (Ostranenie):
Central to Shklovsky's argument is the concept of defamiliarization. He contends that the routine and familiar tend to be perceived automatically, blurring their impact. Defamiliarization is the intentional act of making the ordinary seem strange or unfamiliar. By doing so, artists force audiences to reevaluate their perceptions. This device is a crucial element in Shklovsky's call for art to disrupt the automatism of everyday perception, encouraging a more conscious and reflective engagement with the world.
2. Foregrounding:
Shklovsky introduces the device of foregrounding as a means to disrupt habitual perception. It involves bringing certain elements to the forefront of a narrative, making them more noticeable and arresting. By highlighting specific details, writers can prevent the automatic recognition of familiar patterns, prompting readers to actively engage with the text. Foregrounding aligns with Shklovsky's broader argument that art should challenge the reader's mental habits, prompting a deeper and more contemplative interaction with the work.
3. Estrangement:
In Shklovsky's literary theory, estrangement is a concept closely related to defamiliarization. It involves presenting common objects or experiences in a way that defies conventional understanding, creating a sense of unfamiliarity. The purpose of estrangement is to disrupt the automatic, unconscious perception of reality and to make the audience view the world with a fresh perspective. Shklovsky sees estrangement as a powerful tool for artists to invigorate their work, preventing it from becoming mundane and predictable.
4. Device of Plot Construction:
Shklovsky argues for the importance of the device of plot construction in literature. He contends that a well-crafted plot should not merely serve as a conveyor of information but should actively engage the reader's mind. By manipulating the structure and development of a story, authors can create a narrative that challenges the reader's expectations and defamiliarizes the conventional trajectory of a plot. Shklovsky sees this as an essential aspect of keeping literature dynamic and preventing it from succumbing to the monotony of routine perception.
1. Defamiliarization and Perception:
Themes
1. Defamiliarization and Perception:
Shklovsky's central theme revolves around the concept of defamiliarization, also known as ostranenie or "making strange." He contends that art's primary function is to disrupt automatic perception by presenting ordinary things in a way that challenges familiarity. The theme explores how routine experiences and objects are often overlooked due to habitual perception. Through defamiliarization, Shklovsky urges artists to reshape these everyday elements, forcing the audience to see them anew. This theme underscores the transformative power of art in encouraging a more conscious and thoughtful engagement with the world.
2. Artistic Innovation and Form:
Another prominent theme in "Art as Technique" is the relationship between form and content. Shklovsky argues that form is not a mere vessel for content but an integral part of artistic expression. He encourages writers to experiment with language and form, emphasizing the importance of constantly pushing boundaries. This theme underscores the dynamic nature of artistic innovation and the role of unconventional forms in revitalizing literature. Shklovsky advocates for a deliberate and conscious construction of form to enhance the impact and effectiveness of artistic expression.
3. The Role of Language and Style:
Shklovsky explores the theme of language and style as essential elements in defamiliarization. Language, for him, is not just a tool for conveying information but a medium through which artists can manipulate perception. The essay delves into the symbolic significance of linguistic choices and stylistic innovations. Shklovsky highlights how the deliberate alteration of language can estrange the familiar and contribute to the overall defamiliarization process. This theme emphasizes the crucial role of language and style in shaping the reader's experience and understanding of art.
In summary, "Art as Technique" by Viktor Shklovsky delves into the themes of defamiliarization and perception, artistic innovation and form, and the pivotal role of language and style in the transformative power of art. These themes collectively underscore Shklovsky's argument for a deliberate and conscious approach to artistic expression that challenges habitual perception and invigorates the creative process.
2. Language and Style:
3. Perception and Vision:
Symbols
1. Everyday Objects:
Symbols of the familiar and routine, everyday objects represent the mundane aspects of life that art seeks to defamiliarize. Shklovsky uses these symbols to underscore the transformative power of art in reinvigorating our perception of the commonplace.
2. Language and Style:
Symbolizing artistic innovation, language and stylistic choices become symbols in Shklovsky's essay. They represent the means through which defamiliarization occurs, highlighting the importance of manipulating language to disrupt habitual understanding and engage the reader in a more conscious, reflective experience.
3. Perception and Vision:
The act of seeing and perceiving becomes a symbolic theme in Shklovsky's work. Symbols of vision represent the reader's engagement with art and literature. Shklovsky suggests that art challenges automatic perception, encouraging a fresh perspective on the world. The symbol of vision underscores the transformative role of art in shaping how we perceive reality.
In "Art as Technique," these symbols collectively contribute to Shklovsky's argument that art serves to make the familiar strange, prompting a reevaluation of ordinary experiences, language, and perception.
