5 Questions
What was a key difference between the French school and the American school of Comparative Literature?
The French school focused on direct influence, while the American school emphasized broader thematic resonances.
Which theoretical framework was NOT embraced by American comparatists according to the text?
New Historicism
Who explored the concept of 'archetypes' and intertextuality in Comparative Literature?
Harry Levin
What did the American School of Comparative Literature readily incorporate into their studies?
Non-Western and marginalized literatures
What does comparing Goethe's 'Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship' with Achebe's 'Things Fall Apart' reveal?
A coming-of-age narrative through distinct cultural lenses
Study Notes
French School of Comparative Literature
- Meticulously traced the transmission of ideas and forms across literatures using scientific methods.
- Employed tools like source studies, textual analysis, and chronological comparisons to establish "lines of influence" between works.
- Focused on influence and reception studies, using a positivist approach.
National Consciousness
- Comparative literature served as a platform to assert the cultural prestige and influence of French literature.
- Studying the impact of French authors on other literatures demonstrated France's intellectual and artistic leadership.
Binary Studies
- Early French scholarship focused on comparing two works or authors from different national traditions.
- Established lines of influence or thematic parallels between works.
Key Figures
- Ferdinand Brunetière: emphasized the role of national genius and historical context in shaping literary movements.
- Gustave Lanson: championed close textual analysis and the identification of sources and influences.
- René Wellek: initially aligned with the French school, later embraced a more flexible and theoretical approach.
Delve deeper into the intricacies of the French and American schools of Comparative Literature, exploring key figures, examples, and approaches. Learn about the Positivist Approach in the French school, influenced by scientific methods and focusing on tracing the transmission of ideas and forms across literatures.
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