Possible Worlds in Literary Theory
Possible Worlds in Literary Theory
The concept of possible worlds, originally introduced in philosophical logic, proves to be a productive tool when borrowed by literary theory to explain the notion of fictional worlds. Ruth Ronen develops a comparative reading of the use of possible worlds in philosophy and in literary theory. She suggests new criteria for the definition of fictionality; and through specific studies of domains within fictional worlds--events, objects, time and point of view--she proposes a radical rethinking of fictionality in general and fictional narrativity in particular.
- The first interdisciplinary study of the problem of fiction through the originally philosophical concept of possible worlds
- Makes issues crystal-clear in lucid style
- No. 7 in prestigious Cambridge University Press series Literature, Culture, Theory
Reviews & endorsements
"...Ronen's book is a most valuable and exciting contribution of great interest to two communities of specialized readers: those interested in the general dynamics of theory formation in cultural studies and those whose interests focus on one central issue in this sphere, fictional worlds and their constitutive domains." Uri Margolin, Style
"...illuminates the logic underlying an important interdisciplinary borrowing and constitutes a powerful reassessment of fictional narrativity. It is a splendid performance." Gerald Prince, Language of Design
Product details
May 1994Paperback
9780521456487
260 pages
216 × 140 × 15 mm
0.34kg
Available
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgements
- Introduction
- 1. Possible worlds, fictional worlds
- 2. The possibility of fictional worlds
- 3. The fictionality of fictional worlds
- 4. Fictional entities, incomplete beings
- 5. Fictional events and the intricacies of plot
- 6. Focalization and fictional perspective
- 7. Fictional time
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Index.
