The Textual Analysis of Wole Soyinka’s Poem: A Formalist Approach
Keywords:
Formalism, verisimilitude, literary form, literary criticism, literary stylisticsAbstract
Literary appreciation, an organized use of non – literary techniques
and bodies of knowledge to obtain insights into the genres of
literature, has taken literature beyond the elements of pleasure and
enjoyment derivable from merely reading literary texts.
Fundamental skills of reader’s ability to discriminate, judge and
make comments can best be derived through textual analysis of
literary works. However, the approach employed by a critic
determines the literary achievement of the expected effect. This work
therefore attempts a textual analysis of Wole Soyinka’s “Abiku”, using
the formalist approach that studies a text outside the notions of
culture, societal influence or authorship but focuses on the forms of
poetry. The study examines the concept of formalism, its proponent’s
insight and its link to stylistics. An application of the aesthetics
approach or ‘art for art’s sake’ is then made in the analysis of the
32 – line “Abiku” written by Wole Soyinka. In conclusion, Soyinka
showcases a proven mark of eclectic creativity with elements similar
to Aristotle’s traditions and change.
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