Possible Worlds in Literary Theory (Literature, Culture, Theory, Series Number 7) (Volume 0) - Softcover

Ronen, Ruth

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521456487 ISBN 13: 9780521456487

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1994

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Book Description

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. This text develops a comparative reading of the use of possible worlds in philosophy and in literary theory.

Review

"...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

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521456487
• ISBN 13: 9780521456487
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 260