form and function

recently, i have become a fan of formalism. formalism, loosely defined, is a method of criticism that advocates for intratextual analysis as opposed to intertextual conversation. it's criticized because it is considered ahistorical, not socially or culturally conscious, etc. be that as it may, for me there is still something about looking closely at an individual text -- something to a well-placed line break and the resultant questions of why. why did the author choose to break the line there? what was the desired effect? did the author succeed?
i suppose these days, i wonder a great deal about form. what form is most appropriate for this apology; what method should i use to convey gratitude? how do i express sadness without self-pity? once upon a time, i'm sure i would have considered such formulations to be manipulative. but as i grow older, i find them to be exactly the opposite.