Literary Theory - Formalism - 20th Century

Formalism is an approach to art or literature where the work stands on its own.   The artist or their background is not considered and the criteria is solely based on the formal qualities of the work.  Other considerations, such as representational, ethical or social considerations are secondary in nature.   As described by Eliot, the author combines emotions to generate feelings.  In doing so, the author is somewhat removed during their craft as they are forging feelings that others can more easily understand.  Formalism is not a reflection of the ego itself, but a way of crafting ego that other people can identify.