A literary analyst studying John Milton’s "Paradise Lost" concentrates on the vivid depiction of the Garden of Eden, the symbolism behind hands, seed, and flower, as well as the portrayals of Adam, Eve, Satan, and God. The analyst pays close attention to the epic similes, metaphors, and the narrative perspective, seeking meaning solely within the text without consulting Milton’s biography. Which type of criticism does this approach represent?
Explanation
Formalist criticism involves analyzing the text’s structure, language, and literary devices without considering external factors such as the author's life or historical context. Since the critic focuses exclusively on the text's elements like imagery, symbolism, and narrative viewpoint, this method aligns with formalist criticism.