Which of the following serves as the best definition of the literary critical practice of formalism ?
Correct answer: C. Formalism focuses on examining the use of literary devices within a literary text.
- A. Formalism focuses on examining how a text exemplifies its writer's psychology.
- B. Formalism focuses on examining the structural dynamics of poems.
- C. Formalism focuses on examining the use of literary devices within a literary text.
- D. Formalism focuses on examining the historical contexts and backgrounds of literary texts.
Explanation
Formalism studies a work's internal construction, including its patterns, devices, and techniques, rather than its author's psychology or historical background. The use of literary devices is therefore the best option, while structural analysis of poems is too narrow.
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