Che cos'è il cronotopo? e perché è impostante saperlo?

F4INDIE

6 May 202108:20

Summary

TLDRThe video script explores the concept of 'cronotopo' in literature, a term borrowed from physics to describe the fusion of space and time into a narrative structure. It discusses how this concept is used to create unique settings for characters and stories, emphasizing the importance of the setting in shaping the narrative. The script references various literary works and authors, such as Joyce and Proust, to illustrate how the manipulation of space and time can lead to new forms of storytelling, contrasting the traditional omniscient narrator of the 19th-century novel with the more subjective and diverse narratives of the 20th century.

Takeaways

🏰 The script begins by discussing the cliché setting of a tavern in fantasy stories, like Dungeons and Dragons, highlighting its overuse in literature.
📚 The concept of 'cronotopo' is introduced as a term borrowed from physics, referring to the fusion of space and time, and its application in narrative literature to give life to a text.
🕒 The cronotopo is explained as being essential for characters in literature, as it defines their historicity and actions within a specific spatial and temporal context.
🗺️ Examples are given of how the setting (like the streets of London or Spain in the 16th century) is integral to the characters and their stories, such as Tom Jones and Lazarillo de Tormes.
🏰 The importance of setting in Gothic novels, such as 'The Castle of Otranto', is emphasized, where the castle is crucial for the story and character development.
🚫 The risk of overgeneralizing the concept of cronotopo is mentioned, as it could lead to the belief that all literary spaces are mere clones of each other, ignoring the unique logic and connections within each narrative.
🔄 The script discusses the separation and recombination of space and time in modern literature, such as in James Joyce's 'Ulysses', which challenges traditional narrative structures.
🔦 The contrast between the omniscient narrator of 18th-century novels and the subjective, internal perspective of 20th-century literature is highlighted.
📖 The evolution from 18th-century to 20th-century novels is described, with the latter allowing for more subjective and diverse representations of space and time.
🌐 The script touches on the scientific understanding of time as relative, and how this concept is reflected and manipulated in literary narratives.
🎨 The final takeaway is an invitation for viewers to share their thoughts on the video, indicating an engagement strategy to foster discussion and feedback.

Q & A

Why does the script mention inns as a common starting point in Dungeons and Dragons and fantasy literature?
-Inns are often used as a starting point in fantasy stories and games like Dungeons and Dragons because they serve as a familiar and inflated setting that brings characters and narratives together, creating a cliché or a recognizable trope in the fantasy genre.
What is the term 'cronotopo' and how is it defined in the context of literature?
-The term 'cronotopo' is borrowed from the theory of literature and refers to the concept of space-time. It represents the unit of space and time that gives life to a narrative, intertwining the spatial and temporal destinies and lives of characters, and is essential in creating the aesthetic of a literary work.
How does the script relate the concept of space and time to character development in literature?
-The script suggests that the space and time in which a character exists are crucial to their development and actions. Characters like Lazarillo de Tormes or the settings of 'Don Quixote' and 'I Promessi Sposi' (The Betrothed) could only exist in their specific historical and geographical contexts, emphasizing the importance of the 'cronotopo' in shaping characters and their stories.
What is the risk of defining 'cronotopo' too broadly in literary analysis?
-Defining 'cronotopo' too broadly could lead to the assumption that almost all literary spaces are clichéd, and that characters could only act within the specific spaces created by the author. This risks overlooking the complexity and variety of literary worlds and the nuanced relationships between space, time, and characters.
How does the script differentiate between the novels of the 19th century and those of the 20th century in terms of space and time?
-The script differentiates the two by stating that 19th-century novels often feature an omniscient and external narrator, aiming to portray reality in its objective and scientific entirety. In contrast, 20th-century novels, like those of James Joyce and Marcel Proust, create their own worlds and spaces separate from the 'real' world, with narrators that may be more subjective and less omniscient.
What is the significance of the scientific understanding of time in the context of narrative and literature?
-While time is considered relative in scientific terms, in narrative and literature, it is often manipulated by the author or narrator. This manipulation allows for the creation of unique space-time relationships that may not align with the objective laws of physics but serve the aesthetic and thematic purposes of the literary work.
How does the script suggest that the concept of 'cronotopo' has evolved over time in literature?
-The script suggests that the concept of 'cronotopo' has evolved from being a fixed and universal construct in 19th-century literature to a more flexible and authorially chosen element in 20th-century literature. This evolution reflects a shift in narrative techniques and a greater emphasis on the subjective experiences of characters and narrators.
What types of literature does the script mention as often utilizing the concept of 'cronotopo'?
-The script mentions that genres such as mystery, horror, fantasy, and science fiction frequently employ the concept of 'cronotopo' to create unique worlds and settings that are distinct from the 'real' world, highlighting the imaginative and creative aspects of these genres.
How does the script relate the concept of 'cronotopo' to the idea of a character's historicity?
-The script relates 'cronotopo' to a character's historicity by emphasizing that the space and time in which a character exists are not only physical but also historical. A character's actions and identity are deeply tied to the specific historical and geographical context they inhabit, shaping their story and its narrative aesthetic.
What is the implication of the script's discussion on the use of space and time in literature for readers and critics?
-The script implies that understanding the use of space and time in literature is crucial for both readers and critics. It allows for a deeper appreciation of the narrative and the aesthetic choices made by the author. It also encourages critical analysis of how these elements contribute to the overall themes and messages of the literary work.
How does the script's analysis of 'cronotopo' contribute to a broader understanding of literary theory and narrative techniques?
-The script's analysis of 'cronotopo' contributes to a broader understanding of literary theory and narrative techniques by highlighting the interplay between space, time, and character development. It underscores the importance of context in shaping narratives and encourages a nuanced approach to analyzing and interpreting literary works.

Outlines

00:00

🌟 Introduction to the Concept of Chronotope

This paragraph introduces the concept of 'chronotype' or 'chronotopo', a term borrowed from physics and used in literary theory to describe the interwoven temporal and spatial aspects of a narrative. It is explained as a cliché in fantasy literature, often beginning in an inn, which is a common setting in such stories. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of this concept in understanding how the spatial and temporal dimensions are intricately linked to the characters and their destinies in a story. It also touches on how this concept can be seen in various literary works, such as novels with a strong sense of place and time, like the streets of London or the historical Spain during the time of Charles V.

05:00

📚 Evolution of Narrative Techniques from 19th to 20th Century Novels

This paragraph discusses the transition in narrative techniques from the 19th-century 'omniscient narrator' model to the 20th-century approach, where the narrator is not omnipresent and the world is not entirely shaped by the author's will. It highlights the shift towards narratives that create their own unique worlds, separate from the real one, and characters that exist within these worlds rather than being determined by them. The paragraph also touches on the idea that while all literature inherently contains chronotopes, the 20th-century novel consciously plays with these concepts, often choosing to manipulate space and time to serve the story and its characters. The discussion includes references to works by authors like Joyce and Proust, who are known for their innovative narrative structures.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Dungeons and Dragons

Dungeons and Dragons is a tabletop role-playing game that involves storytelling, character扮演, and decision-making within a fantasy world. In the context of the video, it is used as a metaphor to discuss the concept of a 'starting point' or 'setting' in storytelling, emphasizing the importance of a well-defined environment for the characters to interact within.

💡Cliché

A cliché refers to an overused element or device in creative works, such as literature or film, that has become predictable or lacking in originality. In the video, the concept of the 'tavern' as a starting point in fantasy stories is discussed as a cliché, suggesting that it has been used so frequently that it has lost its novelty and impact.

💡Cronotopo

Cronotopo is a term borrowed from physics, specifically from Minkowski's concept of space-time, and refers to the narrative fusion of space and time within a literary work. It is used to describe how the setting and temporal context of a story are intrinsically linked to the development and actions of the characters. In the video, cronotopo is discussed as a critical element in literature that shapes the narrative and gives life to the text.

💡Narrativa

Narrativa, or narrative, refers to the way a story is told, including the events, characters, and settings that make up the plot. It is the structure and sequence of the story that allows readers or viewers to follow and engage with the text. In the video, the concept of narrative is central to understanding how different elements like space, time, and character development interrelate within a literary work.

💡Spazio

Spazio, or space, in the context of the video, refers to the physical or metaphorical setting within a literary work. It is an essential component of the narrative, as it provides the backdrop against which characters interact and events unfold. The concept of space is integral to the understanding of cronotopo, as it is fused with time to create a unique narrative world.

💡Tempo

Tempo, or time, in the video's context, refers to the chronological aspect of a narrative. It is how the sequence of events is ordered and how the duration of actions is perceived within the story. Time is a critical element in the cronotopo, as it is intertwined with space to shape the narrative and influence the characters' experiences.

💡Personaggio

Personaggio, or character, is a central element in any narrative, representing the individuals who drive the plot forward through their actions, decisions, and interactions. Characters are crucial to the development of a story and are deeply influenced by the spatial and temporal context in which they exist.

💡Romanzo Picaresque

The Picaresque novel is a genre of fiction that features a low-born or lower-class protagonist who lives by their wits in a corrupt society. These novels typically follow the adventures of the protagonist, often involving travel and a series of episodic encounters. The genre is characterized by realism, social critique, and a focus on the complexities of everyday life.

💡Romanzo Gothic

The Gothic novel is a literary genre that combines elements of horror, romance, and mystery, often set in ancient or medieval times and featuring supernatural occurrences. These novels typically involve a complex and eerie atmosphere, with a focus on isolated and haunted castles or monasteries, and include elements of the sublime and the grotesque.

💡Narratore

The narrator, or the voice that tells the story, is a critical component of a narrative. The narrator's perspective, knowledge, and style can significantly influence how the story is presented and understood. In the context of the video, the narrator's role is discussed in relation to the concept of cronotopo and how they shape the narrative by defining the spatial and temporal context.

💡Realismo

Realism in literature is a movement that aims to depict subjects as they exist in real life, with an emphasis on everyday experiences and the accurate representation of the world. It often involves a detailed and truthful portrayal of characters, settings, and events, reflecting the belief that literature should mirror society as it truly is.

💡Modernismo

Modernismo, or Modernism, is a literary movement characterized by a self-conscious break with traditional ways of writing. It often involves experimentation with narrative form, the use of symbolism, and a focus on the inner experiences and psychological states of characters. Modernist works challenge conventional notions of time, space, and reality, creating new literary forms and expressions.

Highlights

The discussion begins with the common fantasy trope of starting stories in an inn, setting the stage for a deep dive into the concept of 'cronotopo'.

The term 'cronotopo' is introduced as a crucial element in literature, borrowed from the world of physics to describe the space-time continuum within a narrative.

The concept of 'cronotopo' is expanded upon, emphasizing its role in connecting spatial and temporal elements with character development.

Examples from classic literature, such as 'Picaresque' novels and 'The Castle of Otranto', are used to illustrate how 'cronotopo' shapes the narrative and the characters' actions.

The talk touches on the idea that 'cronotopo' is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the characters' existence and the unfolding of the story.

The risk of overgeneralizing 'cronotopo' is discussed, noting that it should not be seen as a universal template for all literary spaces.

The evolution of 'cronotopo' from the omniscient narrators of the 19th-century novels to the more subjective experiences of the 20th-century narratives is highlighted.

The influence of scientific understanding of time and space, such as Einstein's theory of relativity, on the narrative techniques in modern literature is noted.

The contrast between the fixed 'cronotopo' of 19th-century literature and the flexible, author-guided 'cronotopo' of 20th-century works is emphasized.

The emergence of genres like science fiction and fantasy as a space where authors experiment with 'cronotopo' and its implications on character and plot is explored.

The video invites viewers to reflect on the author's choice in manipulating 'cronotopo' and how it impacts the reader's perception of the narrative world.

The importance of 'cronotopo' in creating a unique literary world that contrasts with the real world is underscored.

The discussion concludes with a call to action for viewers to share their thoughts on the video's exploration of 'cronotopo'.

The video's content is presented as a tool for understanding the complex interplay of space, time, and character in literature.