Brief History of World Literature (Intro to Literature Part 2 of 3)

Summary

This lecture explores the evolution of the concept of world literature, tracing its origins to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1827, who initially defined it with a limited scope. The term gained broader significance in 1848 when Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels used it in the *Communist Manifesto*, emphasizing literary works with universal appeal that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. Today, world literature encompasses a diverse array of voices and narratives, highlighting the interconnectedness of human experiences across time and space.

Takeaways

• 📜 The term 'world literature' was coined by German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1827.
• 🌍 Goethe's definition of world literature included texts from various nations but was initially limited in scope.
• 📝 Early examples referenced by Goethe included Sanskrit texts, Islamic writings, and Serbian epic poetry.
• 📚 The concept of world literature expanded significantly in 1848 with Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.
• 📖 Marx and Engels used the term 'world literature' in their book 'The Communist Manifesto.'
• 🌐 In their usage, world literature became an inclusive term representing literary works from across the globe.
• ✨ The common thread among these works is their 'cosmopolitan appeal' or universal appeal.
• 🤝 Universal appeal transcends boundaries of time, culture, creed, gender, and space.
• 🌎 Today, 'world literature' refers to a collection of literary pieces that possess this cosmopolitan quality.
• 🔍 The evolution of the term illustrates how literature can connect diverse cultures and societies through shared themes.

Q & A

Who first coined the term 'world literature'?

The term 'world literature' was first coined by the German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1827.

What was Goethe's original interpretation of world literature?

Goethe referred to 'world literature' as texts from different nations, but his interpretation was limited to specific writings such as Sanskrit texts, Islamic translations, and Serbian epic poetry.

How did the use of the term 'world literature' change in 1848?

In 1848, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels used the term 'world literature' in their *Communist Manifesto*, broadening its definition to include a diverse range of literary works from all over the world with a shared cosmopolitan appeal.

What do the terms 'cosmopolitan appeal' and 'universal appeal' mean in the context of world literature?

'Cosmopolitan appeal' and 'universal appeal' refer to literary works that resonate across cultural, temporal, and geographical boundaries, allowing them to be appreciated by a global audience.

What does the contemporary understanding of world literature encompass?

Today, world literature is viewed as a vast collection of literary works from different cultures and regions, emphasizing diversity in genres, themes, and styles that reflect the human experience.

Why is translation important in the context of world literature?

Translation is crucial because it connects readers to texts from various cultures, enabling access to works that might otherwise remain confined to their original languages and facilitating cross-cultural communication.

What challenges do translators face when translating literary works?

Translators face challenges such as capturing nuances, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references, which can sometimes be lost or altered during translation.

How does world literature foster cross-cultural understanding?

World literature fosters cross-cultural understanding by allowing readers to engage with diverse narratives, gaining insights into different cultures and finding commonalities in the human experience.

What role does empathy play in engaging with world literature?

Engaging with world literature promotes empathy by helping readers understand the values, struggles, and aspirations of people from different backgrounds, thereby fostering a sense of shared humanity.

In what ways can literature transcend national and cultural boundaries?

Literature can transcend national and cultural boundaries through its themes, characters, and narratives that resonate universally, allowing readers to connect with the experiences and emotions portrayed regardless of their background.