In his book, Foster establishes a connection, or "dialogue," between texts, which he refers to as 'intertextuality.' Intertextuality, as Foster defines it, is the "ongoing interaction between poems or stories." More specifically, intertextuality revolves around the nature of texts to build upon or revise certain elements, aspects, or facets found across these texts. This concept becomes significant in literary spheres when readers utilize it to enhance their reading experiences. Essentially, when texts engage in this dialogue, they build upon certain elements, which, in turn, adds a deeper meaning to them and the work as a whole. This phenomenon carries great value with it; texts become richer and more meaningful, and can impact readers in different ways. Through intertextuality, readers become more aware of multiple meanings of certain words, phrases, situations, and characters, which makes the text richer without the writer having to develop it as much. Ultimately, through intertextuality, texts can emphasize, modify, or undermine certain parts of their stories by relying on what has already been established in other texts. Since, as Foster asserts, there is only "one big story," from which all other stories are derived, texts engage in dialogue with virtually all other texts, effectively enriching all of them. Intertextuality develops when a writer, either consciously or unconsciously, references or alludes to a previous work. By doing this, the writer associates the stigma and implications of the referenced text (or portion of a text), and associates it with his/her work. Foster offers an example of this, writing, "T.S. Eliot, in 'The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock' (1917), has his neurotic, timorous main character say he was never cut out to be Prince Hamlet, that the most he could be is an extra, someone who could come on to fill the numbers onstage or possible be sacrificed to plot exigency" (38). Foster then describes how, by alluding to Hamlet specifically, Eliot manages to associate the "age of hapless ditherers" (38-39) with Prufrock's situation, which, in turn, helps enrich Prufrock's character without the writer having to do much work.
Intertextuality is also a major force in the establishment of symbols and archetypes. When many texts have this dialogue, they tend to involve certain characteristics, which are carried into the newer text, that form the meaning of symbols and archetypes. Moreover, as new texts are written, these characteristics are revisited again and again until they become synonymous with these symbols and archetypes, which essentially establishes them as what they are. This phenomenon has also been observed outside of literary spheres; in the real world, when a couple is referred to as 'Romeo and Juliet,' it usually implies they are deeply in love, or it is a forbidden love.
Intertextuality is also a major force in the establishment of symbols and archetypes. When many texts have this dialogue, they tend to involve certain characteristics, which are carried into the newer text, that form the meaning of symbols and archetypes. Moreover, as new texts are written, these characteristics are revisited again and again until they become synonymous with these symbols and archetypes, which essentially establishes them as what they are. This phenomenon has also been observed outside of literary spheres; in the real world, when a couple is referred to as 'Romeo and Juliet,' it usually implies they are deeply in love, or it is a forbidden love.
I agree that through intertextuality makes readers more aware and enriches the stories. Creating many layers for readers to unravel produces a more nuanced conversation between readers and writers. The example you provided is great, I find it interesting how authors lean on other works, adding value and depth to their own. This is actually utilized in rap, as rapper compare themselves to other forms or art or even other rappers to distinguish themselves. The real life example you provide was eye opening as it demonstrates that even in day to day conversations there can be multiple implications, further connecting intertextuality to symbols and archetypes. Characters, phrases, and even objects become symbolic through intertextuality.
ReplyDeleteI agree that one of the most important advantages of intertextuality to literature is the great development and significance it can give to texts without the author having to directly state their thoughts or intentions. This, as you said, makes a text richer with less effort on behalf of the author. Anytime a biblical allusion is made, all of the morals and lessons, as well as characteristics, of the original piece in the Bible are transferred into the new text. Anytime Shakespeare is referenced, the actions and personalities of the characters mentioned automatically transfer to the new characters with which they are compared. Intertextuality is a great tool for authors not only looking to add hidden meaning and depth to their novels, but also those who are looking to have to do less character and scene development.
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