On the functions and linguistic materiality of fiction
Homeostasis, Affordances, Relevance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14393/LL63-v35n1a2019-2Keywords:
functions of fiction, affordances, relevance, homeostasisAbstract
ABSTRACT: Proposition of homeostasis, as defined by António Damásio, as the dominant function of fiction. Proposition of the pleasure in reading as an explanation for interest in literature; explanation of this pleasure as a result of the homeostasis afforded by reading. Following Damásio, we define homeostasis as a type of psychic balance provided by the experience of art, which allows, in the course of its enjoyment, that individuals and collectivities process social issues which have yet to be properly interpreted and named. Since this equilibrium is not consciously processed only, it is necessary to explain how its semantic components can become effective subconsciously; to this end, we turn to the concepts of affordances and relevance. Inspired by Terence Cave’s appropriation of James J. Gibson’s original proposition, we propose that textual affordances orient the reader in assuming a certain attitude towards the text. Dan Sperber and Deirdre Wilson’s relevance theory inspires us to propose the ways through which textual contents produce the homeostatic equilibrium proposed as function of fiction. In the end, we discuss the extent of our theorization and the possible limits to its universalization.
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