In his article ‘Literature as Supermarket: Mapping World Literature Today’, P. P. Raveendran reviews the genealogy of the concept of ‘World Literature’ to bring out the theoretical underpinnings of the term as it was used in different contexts and examines its present status against the background of globalized present. Through a critical lens, the essay engages with various perspectives and debates surrounding this concept, offering insights into its complexities and implications.
One notable aspect of the essay is its exploration of the historical genesis of ‘World Literature,’ rooted in the tumultuous political and cultural landscape of early nineteenth-century Europe. The essay elucidates how the concept emerged as a response to the rise of nationalism and the quest for cultural identity among burgeoning nation-states. Goethe’s seminal articulation of ‘World Literature’ is portrayed as a nuanced reaction to the parochialism of narrow nationalism and as an attempt to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. The concept of “World Literature” has been a subject of debate and analysis among social thinkers and literary scholars since Goethe introduced it in 1827. Initially proposed in the context of emerging nationalism and nation-states, it has evolved to encompass various cultural, historical, and economic dimensions. Marx and Engels expanded the concept to include the economic aspects of literary production and consumption. Contemporary scholars like Homi Bhabha and Franco Moretti have adapted it to explore cultural displacements and sociopolitical developments.
In today’s globalized world, scholars like Moretti call for a re-examination of World Literature, considering its historical genealogy, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary relevance in the context of advanced capitalism and the global market. Criticisms of Eurocentrism and the marginalization of non-Western literatures highlight the need for a more inclusive and polyphonic approach to the concept.
Moreover, the essay critically examines the theoretical frameworks that have shaped the discourse on ‘World Literature,’ highlighting the intersections with comparative literature, cultural studies, and postcolonial theory. It elucidates how scholars like Marx, Engels, Homi Bhabha, and Franco Moretti have expanded the concept to encompass broader socio-political dimensions, moving beyond its literary origins.
Furthermore, the essay interrogates the inherent ambiguities and Eurocentric biases embedded within the concept of ‘World Literature.’ It scrutinizes the privileging of Western canonical texts and the marginalization of non-Western literary traditions, underscoring the need for a more inclusive and polyphonic approach. The critique extends to the challenges of reception and interpretation in a globalized literary landscape, where works from peripheral cultures may be co-opted or misappropriated within dominant discourses.
In addition, the essay reflects on the contemporary relevance of ‘World Literature’ in the context of advanced capitalism and the global market. It interrogates the tension between internationalization and globalization, highlighting the complexities of cultural exchange and the commodification of literary texts. The essay advocates for a re-evaluation of ‘World Literature’ from a polyphonic perspective, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices and perspectives in shaping the discourse.
Overall, the essay offers a comprehensive and incisive analysis of the concept of ‘World Literature,’ engaging with its historical, theoretical, and contemporary dimensions. By critically interrogating its complexities and contradictions, the essay invites readers to reconsider the ways in which literature is conceived, circulated, and interpreted in an increasingly interconnected world.
Categories: Kannur University
Analysis of Terry Eagleton’s What is Literature 
Analysis of Stephen Greenblatt’s Introduction to The Power of Forms in the English Renaissance 
Kannur University M.Phil English Entrance Questions and Answers 
University of Kannur M.A. English Literature Scholarly Materials
You must be logged in to post a comment.