9. Linguistics and Literature
Introduction to Theory of Literature (ENGL 300) In this lecture on the work of Roman Jakobson, Professor Paul Fry continues his discussion of synchrony and diachrony. The relationships among formalism, semiotics, and linguistics are explored. Claude Levi-Strauss’s structural interpretation of the Oedipus myth is discussed in some detail. In order to differentiate Jakobson’s poetic functions, Professor Fry analyzes the sentence “It is raining” from six perspectives. Significant attention is paid to the use of diagrams in literary linguistic theory. 00:00 – Chapter 1. Synchrony and Diachrony 06:47 – Chapter 2. The Emergence of Structuralism 11:24 – Chapter 3. The Relationship Between Formalism and Semiotics 17:33 – Chapter 4. Levi-Strauss and the Meaning of the Oedipus Myth 26:19 – Chapter 5. The Poetic Function 32:49 – Chapter 6. Jacobson’s Six Functions 43:53 – Chapter 7. Metalanguage and Poetic Function Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: open.yale.edu This course was recorded in Spring 2009.
Georges Bataille : Literature And Evil
The only TV interview that exists with Georges Bataille (1958). About his book Literature And Evil. Interviewer: Pierre Dumayet. Translation: hvolsvellir
Iris Murdoch on Philosophy and Literature: Section 1
The areas in which philosophy and literature overlap are examined in this program by renowned Oxford novelist Iris Murdoch. Style and structure in philosophical writing are compared and contrasted with those in literature. The narrative abilities of Plato, Schopenhauer, and Kant are examined. Philosophy’s predilection for accepting only literature that supports its theories is discussed as a source of antagonism between the two disciplines.