Russian Formalism is a literary theory that emerged in the early 20th century, primarily in Russia. It focuses on the structure and form of literary works rather than their content or historical context. Formalists analyze elements like language, style, and narrative techniques to understand how they create meaning and evoke emotions. Key figures in Russian Formalism include Viktor Shklovsky and Roman Jakobson. They emphasized the importance of "defamiliarization," a technique that makes familiar objects or experiences seem new and strange, thereby enhancing the reader's perception and engagement with the text.