It is this paper’s aim and purpose to argue against a decline of literature from a metaphysical perspective, emphasizing the social dimension on the basis of Rita Felski’s modes of textual engagement.
To attempt such reasoning, it will at first be introduced an own definition of literature. The main focus will be put on rather psychological and metaphysical approaches to literature from Rita Felski, Daniel Albright and Derek Attridge. Their approaches to literature will be discussed to be able to deduce an own definition of literature that is appropriate to answer this paper’s main question of what the potential of literature and also its value can be in the 21st century. To do this the Felski’s four modes of textual engagement recognition, enchantment, knowledge and shock will be taken a closer look at.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Working assumption of, Literature'
- Literature as an act of social engagement
- Recognition
- Enchantment
- Knowledge
- Shock
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper argues against the perceived decline of literature in the 21st century, emphasizing its social dimension based on Rita Felski's modes of textual engagement. It aims to define literature from a metaphysical perspective, highlighting its potential for radical and transformative potential.
- The social dimension of literature
- Rita Felski's modes of textual engagement (recognition, enchantment, knowledge, and shock)
- The concept of literature as a "machine for bringing cultural value into being" and a "tool for cultural assimilation"
- The role of identification and singularity in literary experience
- Literature as a source of knowledge and transformative potential
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction discusses the perceived decline of literature and sets the stage for the paper's argument. It introduces Felski's modes of textual engagement as a framework for understanding literature's social dimension. Chapter 2 explores the concept of literature from a metaphysical perspective, examining the contributions of Daniel Albright and Derek Attridge. Albright's "panaesthetics" approach broadens the definition of literature, viewing it as a tool for cultural assimilation and social communication. Attridge emphasizes the importance of "identification" and "singularity" in the literary experience, suggesting that literature is not a static object but an event of reading and writing.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of the text include: literature, social dimension, textual engagement, recognition, enchantment, knowledge, shock, panaesthetics, identification, singularity, cultural assimilation, literary experience, transformative potential.
- Citation du texte
- Anonym (Auteur), 2021, Why Literature? Literature’s social dimension on the basis of Rita Felski’s modes of textual engagement, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1225314
