Question 3
Intertextuality allows for a relationship between old and new pieces of literature, music, and visual arts alike. This “dialogue” which occurs between the two works can be present in both advanced literature as well as others geared more toward newer and intermediate readers. It allows for all to experience works either before their time or certain novels most wouldn't tend to read for pleasure. By referring or insinuating to an earlier work, the authors give readers the chance to experience the classics, gaining culture as well as giving readers the chance to look deeper into the older work to further his or her’s understanding and interest. Intertextuality has the ability to be either intentional or serendipitous, given Foster’s explanation of literature being all “one big story.” Authors might have a piece of literature lurking in their mind unconsciously, and while writing, happens to rework different parts of said literature into the work, making the intertextuality serendipitous. On the other hand, some authors might intentionally use older literature, either by reworking the original to fit modern day society or using it to make themselves seem more professional and intelligent. Whether older texts are included in an author’s writing intentionally or without knowledge of it beforehand, the dialogue is there nevertheless, the “one big story” is present no matter what. The dialogue between works also helps strengthen different archetypes and symbols, as Foster states, “they take on power with repetition, finding strength in numbers” (Foster 199). As time goes on, certain symbols and archetypes would be lost if not for intertextuality, which shows how important this dialogue is to culture as a whole, not just to those who choose to read and write literature. The “mythic level” is where these long lived literary tools, including symbols and archetypes, are stored, given it is impossible to pinpoint the exact moment in history, the exact author, and the exact piece of literature where one of them was birthed.
I totally agree with your assessment about the effects of intertextuality. The connection that a new work of literature can have to an older one can be an integral part of fully understanding the deeper meanings within a piece. I also like how you say that when authors represent past works of literature that it gives the audience a chance to discover and learn from the classics. When a modern writer adapts an older novel, similarly to when a film franchise does an adaptation of a classic movie, it allows the audience to look for parallels and differences between the time periods.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your suggestion that authors include older texts in order to help newer, less experienced readers and writers experience classics they otherwise might not have experienced. I never considered that the author might consciously use them as educational devices. While I agree that this can be the case with some authors, I believe classics are more often used to express a moral or topic through well-known stories and texts: As Foster expresses, alluding to other stories can help evoke certain thoughts which can help us analyze the story.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about the "one big story." Like Foster suggests, many writers read lots of classics and literature, which must have an impact on their writing-- consciously or not. I also like how you explained the pattern of surviving archetypes and how intertextuality keeps them alive.
I like that you mentioned an intentional nod by authors to another piece of literature. Many authors may subconsiuosly include patterns or similarities to older classics or other texts that they have on their minds while writing. However, it's become increasingly popular to use intertextuality to rewrite old classics for the younger generations. There are many new versions of old books such as Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice that have been written to target younger audiences and draw the toward old classic by giving them a modern and more enjoyable way to read and analyze books that, by popular opinion, everyone should experience. Intertextuality helps incorporate history into a changing world.
ReplyDeleteI agree that literature is important because it gives the readers a better understanding of culture and how many literary works have continued to stay relevant over time. I like how you mention that literature can be worked into current writing or for personal growth. I like that you state how authors can expand other author's ability and knowledge to help further their work and heavily influence their writing without even noticing, and I'm sure that goes unnoticed by many people. It's important for an author to also be a reader so that they can grow from other author’s styles and see in what ways they portray symbolism and see different styles of writing even throughout the centuries.
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