POPE 3.2 & 3.3: NEW CRITICISM AND FORMALISM

If I were a new critic the main things I would focus on when reviewing S-Town would be the overall voice that the author tries to display. There is a very strong sense of connection to the characters in this podcast. The unique accents uses for each individual character gives a sense of strong narration. Through this, each character makes the reader/listener feel like they know the character and environment of the story much better. Alongside this, the use of slang also provides a stronger sense of character. Through using these methods, it shows a contrast of characters and their view of life. Through language and dialogue, it is clear that there is a contrast between Johns views and Brians view on the storyline.

As far as formalism goes, there is a prominent foreground and background to the story. The background is the theme of the crime story being told. However, the foreground is the overarching theme of John and Brian’s relationship and how the city is viewed as a place of corruption and bad.