Toward a Computational Archaeology of Fictional Space
Dennis Tenen
In this paper I propose to reconsider theories of diegetic space that rely on explicit framing (i.e., "two people walk into a room" or "in Spain"). Rather than looking for maps, define in terms lexical categories denoting objects. The emphasis objects leads method literary archaeology, informed by cognitive theory and anthropology. If the universe is made atoms, fictional world also up atomic relationships form basic, stable configurations, what call narratological primes. construct several such basic spatial buildings blocks here—diegetic density clutter distance. Their application well-explored body nineteenth-century novels challenges long-standing historical intuitions related development material culture nineteenth century.
New Literary History|Columbia Academic Commons (Columbia University)