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From Part III, this chapter employs quantitative analysis to challenge prevling narratives about the novel's development. Contrary to the notion of dramatic breakthroughs or 'ruptures,' the data reveals an ongoing evolution characterized by continuous formal experimentation. This suggests that novels can be understood as a cohesive system of artifacts.
In alignment with the field of Science and Technology Studies, particularly W. Brian Arthur's insights into technological evolution as presented in The Nature of Technology, this chapter proposes a technological model to expln the gradual changes and adaptations within literary systems over time. A key concept here is 'redomning': the innovative use of technology for a distinct purpose. This concept illuminates why document novels, which represent a significant technological shift compared to earlier novel forms, faced delayed adoption due to their discontinuous nature in relation to prior compositions.
Moreover, this chapter argues that fictionalization was part of a longer process of narrative development moving away from direct orality towards increasing alignment with the print medium. This evolution reflects a series of adaptations made by narratives as they became less tied to oraland more congruent with the affordances provided by printed materials.
This technological perspective enriches our understanding of how literary systems evolve through a combination of incremental improvements, innovative redomning of existing technologies for new purposes, and gradual shifts in narrative posture. It underscores the dynamic interplay between technology and cultural evolution, suggesting that narratives are not just products of their time but also agents of cultural change.
Key Terms:
Fictionality: The quality or state of being fictional.
Cultural Evolution: A broad concept encompassing changes in culture over generations due to innovation, learning, and adaptation.
Technological Evolution: Development of technological means over time through a combination of innovation and adaptation within existing frameworks.
W. Brian Arthur: An economist who pioneered the field of 'technological evolution' and proposed his theory that describes how technologies evolve through innovation, which is essential for understanding complex systems like those found in literature.
Fashions: The changing styles or trs influencing literary forms and genres over time.
Epistolary Novels: Works written as a series of letters between characters, often seen as a precursor to modern narrative structures.
Romance: A genre characterized by plots based on romantic relationships with strong emphasis on the heroine and their journey towards love and adventure.
Roman nouvelle: French terms for 'novel' which historically referred to shorter forms that later evolved into the modern novel form.
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By applying quantitative data analysis alongside insights from technological evolution theory, this chapter offers a nuanced view of how literary systems, including the novel, have adapted over time. It highlights the importance of understanding both large-scale systemic changes and localized shifts in narrative structure and style within the context of broader cultural developments. This multi-faceted approach to the study of literature provides a richer tapestry for exploring not only the historical trajectory but also the ongoing evolution of literary genres as they respond to technological advances, societal changes, and creative experimentation.
This chapter invites readers to consider how narratives have evolved in response to both internal dynamics and external influences over centuries. It underscores that while individual works may stand as isolated creations, their collective development is part of a larger system continuously redefined by the ongoing interplay between artists, audiences, cultural contexts, and technological advancements.
Thus, by integrating quantitative data with Arthur's theory of technological evolution, we gn a more comprehensive understanding of how the novel has emerged and transformed over time. This understanding allows us to appreciate both its historical significance and its continuing relevance as an art form in the digital age.
References:
Arthur, W.B. 1994. The Nature of Technology: A Scientific History. New York: Basic Books.
For further exploration on this topic:
Review articles and literature surveys that discuss the intersection between technology studies and literary history.
Research papers applying quantitative methods to analyze literary evolution.
Detled analyses of specific genres or periods, highlighting changes in narrative techniques.
Comparative studies examining how different literary traditions incorporate technological influences into their structures.
This chapter marks a significant step towards integrating digital ities methodologies with traditional literary analysis, opening up new avenues for understanding the complex interactions between culture and technology throughout history.
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Evolutionary Perspective on Novels Quantitative Data in Literary Studies Technological Shifts in Storytelling Redomaining and Fictional Forms Alignment of Narratives with Print Media Dynamics of Cultural and Narrative Evolution