Possible Worlds in Literary Theory

Hardback

Main Details

Title Possible Worlds in Literary Theory
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Ruth Ronen
SeriesLiterature, Culture, Theory
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:260
Dimensions(mm): Height 225,Width 146
Category/GenreLiterary theory
Literary studies - fiction, novelists and prose writers
ISBN/Barcode 9780521450171
ClassificationsDewey:809.3
Audience
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 26 May 1994
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The concept of possible worlds, originally introduced in philosophical logic, has recently gained interdisciplinary influence; it proves to be a productive tool when borrowed by literary theory to explain the notion of fictional worlds. In this book Ruth Ronen develops a comparative reading of the use of possible worlds in philosophy and in literary theory, and offers an analysis of the way the concept contributes to our understanding of fictionality and the structure and ontology of fictional worlds. Dr Ronen suggests a new set of criteria for the definition of fictionality, making rigorous distinctions between fictional and possible worlds; and through specific studies of domains within fictional worlds - events, objects, time, and point of view - she proposes a radical rethinking of the problem of fictionality in general and fictional narrativity in particular.

Reviews

"...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