Defamiliarization, a concept introduced by Russian formalist Viktor Shklovsky in his 1917 essay “Art as Technique,” has become a vital tool in the poet‘s repertoire. At its core, defamiliarization seeks to make the familiar strange, forcing readers to see everyday objects, events, and experiences in a new light. By disrupting habitual perceptions, poets can create works that are vivid, engaging, and thought-provoking. This article will delve into the theory of defamiliarization and provide practical guidance on how to employ it in poetry creation.
See also: How to Explore the Boundaries of Feminist Poetry?
Understanding Defamiliarization
Defamiliarization, or “ostranenie” in Russian, is the artistic technique of presenting common things in an unfamiliar or strange way to enhance perception of the familiar. Shklovsky argued that over time, people’s perception of everyday life becomes automatic, resulting in a dull and uncritical engagement with the world. The purpose of art, he contended, is to break this automatism by presenting the familiar in a manner that makes it seem novel and intriguing.
In poetry, defamiliarization can be achieved through various means, including unusual imagery, unexpected metaphors, novel language, and unconventional syntax. The aim is to challenge readers’ preconceptions and compel them to see the world anew.
Techniques for Using Defamiliarization in Poetry
1. Unusual Imagery and Metaphors
One of the most effective ways to defamiliarize is through the use of imagery and metaphors that are unexpected and fresh. Rather than relying on clichés or common comparisons, poets can create unique associations that surprise and engage the reader.
Example:
Instead of describing the moon as a “silver orb,” a poet might write:
“The moon, a tarnished coin tossed into the sky’s dark purse.”
This unexpected comparison forces the reader to reconsider their perception of the moon.
Exercise:
Choose a common natural element (like the sun, rain, or a tree) and write a series of metaphors that defamiliarize it. Avoid typical descriptions and strive for surprising, evocative imagery.
2. Unconventional Syntax and Structure
Playing with syntax and the structure of a poem can also achieve defamiliarization. By altering the expected order of words or using unconventional punctuation, poets can create a sense of disorientation that draws attention to the language itself.
Example:
Standard syntax: “The night is quiet and still.”
Defamiliarized syntax: “Quiet, the night stills itself.”
This reordering of words makes the reader pause and reflect on the sentence in a new way.
Exercise:
Take a simple sentence and rewrite it multiple times, each time altering the syntax. Notice how the changes affect the rhythm and meaning of the sentence.
3. Inventive Language
Creating new words or using existing words in novel ways can defamiliarize language. This technique draws attention to the medium of language itself, making readers more aware of its textures and sounds.
Example:
Rather than saying “the forest is dense,” a poet might write:
“The forest is a tangled web of whisperleaf and shadowbark.”
Here, the invented words “whisperleaf” and “shadowbark” invite the reader to imagine the forest in a new and vivid way.
Exercise:
Invent a set of new words related to a familiar setting. Use these words in a poem to create a fresh and unfamiliar depiction of the place.
4. Sensory Overload and Juxtaposition
Another method of defamiliarization is to overload the senses or juxtapose contradictory images. This can create a surreal effect that makes the ordinary seem extraordinary.
Example:
Instead of describing a market as “busy and loud,” a poet might write:
“The market hums with the scent of oranges, clanging bells, and whispers of silk.”
This description combines sensory details in a way that overwhelms and captivates the reader.
Exercise:
Write a poem that combines at least three different senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) in each stanza. Use juxtapositions to create surprising and vivid images.
Case Studies in Defamiliarization
1. Emily Dickinson
Emily Dickinson is renowned for her use of defamiliarization. Her poetry often employs unusual imagery, inventive language, and unconventional syntax to present familiar themes in a new light.
Example:
In her poem “A Bird came down the Walk,” Dickinson describes a bird’s movements in a way that makes the ordinary seem extraordinary:
“He glanced with rapid eyes
That hurried all abroad, —
They looked like frightened Beads, I thought;
He stirred his Velvet Head.”
Here, Dickinson’s comparison of the bird’s eyes to “frightened Beads” and its head to “Velvet” creates a fresh and vivid image.
Analysis:
By choosing unexpected metaphors and similes, Dickinson forces the reader to see the bird not just as a common creature, but as something unique and worth observing.
2. T.S. Eliot
T.S. Eliot’s use of defamiliarization is evident in his modernist approach to poetry, particularly in “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock.” Eliot combines everyday language with lofty and obscure references, creating a disorienting but engaging effect.
Example:
In “Prufrock,” Eliot writes:
“When the evening is spread out against the sky
Like a patient etherized upon a table.”
This simile shocks the reader by juxtaposing the serene image of an evening sky with the disturbing image of a patient under anesthesia.
Analysis:
Eliot’s use of defamiliarization serves to capture the fragmented, alienated experience of modern life, compelling readers to confront the strangeness in the mundane.
Practical Tips for Poets
1. Read Widely
Exposure to a wide range of poetry can provide inspiration and examples of how other poets use defamiliarization. Pay attention to how different poets manipulate language and imagery to create fresh perspectives.
2. Experiment and Revise
Defamiliarization often comes from experimentation. Write multiple drafts of a poem, trying out different metaphors, syntax, and language. Don’t be afraid to take risks and explore unusual combinations.
3. Engage the Senses
Incorporate sensory details in your poetry to create vivid and immersive experiences. Consider how you can defamiliarize common sensory experiences by describing them in unexpected ways.
4. Reflect on Automatism
Reflect on areas of your own life that have become automatic or routine. How can you present these in a way that challenges your own and your readers’ perceptions?
Conclusion
Defamiliarization is a powerful tool in poetry creation, enabling poets to present the familiar in a fresh and engaging way. By using unusual imagery, inventive language, unconventional syntax, and sensory overload, poets can break through the automatism of everyday perception and create works that are vivid, thought-provoking, and memorable. Embrace the challenge of defamiliarization in your own writing, and discover how it can transform your poetry into a medium of new and surprising insights.