World Literature

The specific function of literature cannot be determined by how it is used, since unspecific use occurs. The only way to a specific function of a literary text is through shape, since shape tells what a thing is made for. The Horatian description of literary functions (enjoy, move, teach) became obsolete, since it focuses on an impact on readers and not on a possible gain for them. The presentation will demonstrate the criteria for specific function for readers and for society and the consequences for teaching literature.

During the two day event, the speaker will be confronted with other issues projected onto the function of literature and with functional differences between literary regions, genres and epochs.

Part two of the presentation will focus on different forms of communication within, and provided by, literary texts.