|
|
What can literature do? An analysis of the power of literature and literary language
Cheng, Chau Fung ; Maesschalck, Marc (advisor) ; Goddard, Jean-Christophe (referee) ; Lisse, Michel (referee)
This thesis aims to unpack the power and potential of literature, examining a historic 1964 debate between prominent figures in literature and philosophy (Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Jorge Semprun, Jean Ricardou, Jean-Pierre Faye, and Yves Berger). The study subsequently explores the pivotal distinction between ordinary and literary language, engaging with the perspectives of Maurice Blanchot and Merleau-Ponty to reveal the inherently dynamic nature of language and the power of literary language in revealing truth. The final stage of the study applies these insights to the pressing issue of hermeneutical injustice, proposing that literature can serve as a remedy for this form of injustice. Ultimately, this study contends that literature is not an insignificant player but possesses considerable potential to address and resolve societal issues. Keywords: literature; power of literature; 1964 debate; literary language; ordinary language; hermeneutical injustice; Simone de Beauvoir; Jean-Paul Sartre; Jean Ricardou; Maurice Blanchot; Maurice Merleau-Ponty
|
guest ::
