Day: December 7, 2023

Cognitive Estrangement: Etymology, Meanings and Concept

Etymology

The term “cognitive estrangement” is derived from two key components. “Cognitive” pertains to mental processes and understanding, while “estrangement” involves the sense of being alienated or separated. The combination of these terms suggests a deliberate mental distancing or unfamiliarity, emphasizing a departure from the ordinary or expected.

Meanings and Concept

• Mental Alienation: Cognitive estrangement involves intentionally distancing oneself from familiar mental constructs or norms.
• Defamiliarization: It encompasses the intentional rendering of the familiar as unfamiliar, challenging conventional perceptions and promoting a fresh perspective.
• Brechtian Influence: Rooted in Brechtian theater, the concept disrupts automatic empathy, prompting critical engagement and reflection.
• Engagement with the Unfamiliar: It encourages readers or viewers to engage with narratives or ideas that may initially seem unfamiliar, fostering a cognitive shift.
• Critical Thinking: Cognitive estrangement stimulates critical thinking by disrupting established cognitive patterns, inviting reflection on societal norms and assumptions.

Table: Cognitive Estrangement Concepts

Cognitive Estrangement: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Cognitive estrangement is a theoretical concept that denotes a deliberate departure from familiar cognitive patterns and perceptions. Rooted in Brechtian theater, it involves a conscious effort to alienate the audience or reader from automatic empathy, prompting critical engagement and reflection. This concept is integral to defamiliarization, challenging established norms and fostering a cognitive shift that encourages a fresh perspective on familiar elements.

Cognitive Estrangement: Theorists, Works and Argument

In their respective works, these theorists explore and apply the concept of cognitive estrangements, utilizing it as a tool to disrupt traditional narrative expectations and encourage critical reflection on various social and artistic elements.

Cognitive Estrangement: Major Characteristics

1. Defamiliarization:
   • Definition: Intentionally making the familiar seem unfamiliar to prompt fresh perception.
   • Example: In Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment, the portrayal of the ordinary becomes unfamiliar, challenging readers to reevaluate societal norms.
2. Alienation Effect:
   • Definition: Creating emotional distance to encourage critical engagement.
   • Example: Bertolt Brecht’s play The Threepenny Opera employs alienation to prevent emotional immersion, fostering a critical view of societal issues.
3. Cognitive Shift:
   • Definition: Prompting a mental transformation in how information is processed.
   • Example: In Franz Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, the protagonist’s transformation into a giant insect prompts a cognitive shift in how readers interpret his humanity.
4. Unconventional Narratives:
   • Definition: Departing from traditional storytelling structures.
   • Example: Samuel R. Delany’s Dhalgren disrupts conventional narrative norms, estranging readers with its nonlinear and experimental structure.
5. Critical Reflection:
   • Definition: Encouraging thoughtful contemplation and analysis.
   • Example: In George Orwell’s Animal Farm, the allegorical narrative prompts critical reflection on political power dynamics and societal structures.
6. Alternative Realities:
   • Definition: Introducing imaginative and alternative worlds.
   • Example: In Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness, the portrayal of a gender-fluid society challenges conventional perceptions, fostering cognitive estrangement.
7. Subversion of Expectations:
   • Definition: Going against anticipated narrative outcomes.
   • Example: In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, the unexpected character developments subvert readers’ expectations, fostering cognitive estrangement.
8. Narrative Ambiguity:
   • Definition: Intentional uncertainty in storytelling.
   • Example: Italo Calvino’s If on a winter’s night a traveler introduces narrative ambiguity, prompting readers to actively engage with the text’s shifting perspectives.
9. Symbolic Displacement:
   • Definition: Using symbolic elements to represent larger concepts.
   • Example: Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude employs magical realism, symbolically displacing reality to estrange readers and explore societal and historical themes.
10. Questioning Social Constructs:
    • Definition: Challenging established societal norms and beliefs.
    • Example: Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale questions gender roles and societal structures, prompting readers to reconsider established norms through cognitive estrangement.

Cognitive Estrangement: Relevance in Literary Theories

Cognitive Estrangement: Application in Critiques

1. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
   • Application: In Huxley’s dystopian novel, cognitive estrangements is evident through the portrayal of a society that prioritizes pleasure and conformity. The defamiliarization of familiar societal structures prompts readers to critically reflect on the consequences of sacrificing individuality for societal stability.
2. Neuromancer by William Gibson
   • Application: Gibson’s cyberpunk novel employs cognitive estrangements by introducing a virtual reality world and hacking culture. The defamiliarization of technology and its impact on humanity encourages readers to question the evolving relationship between individuals and technology.
3. Blindness by José Saramago
   • Application: Saramago’s novel uses cognitive estrangements to depict a sudden epidemic of blindness. The defamiliarization of a basic human sense prompts readers to reflect on the fragility of societal structures and the potential breakdown of civilization in the face of a crisis.
4. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
   • Application: Adams’ comedic science fiction novel employs cognitive estrangements through absurd and surreal elements. The defamiliarization of the ordinary and the introduction of extraterrestrial perspectives encourage readers to question the absurdities of human existence and societal norms.

Cognitive Estrangement: Relevant Terms

Cognitive Estrangement: Suggested Readings

1. Suvin, Darko. Metamorphoses of Science Fiction. Yale University Press, 1979.
2. Shklovsky, Viktor. “Art as Technique.” Russian Formalist Criticism: Four Essays. University of Nebraska Press, 1965.
3. Brecht, Bertolt. Brecht on Theatre: The Development of an Aesthetic. Edited by John Willett, Hill and Wang, 1964.
4. Delany, Samuel R. The Jewel-Hinged Jaw: Notes on the Language of Science Fiction. Dragon Press, 1977.
5. Le Guin, Ursula K. The Language of the Night: Essays on Fantasy and Science Fiction. HarperCollins, 1979.

Code-Switching: Etymology and Concept

Etymology

The term “code-switching” finds its linguistic roots in the field of sociolinguistics. The word “code” refers to a systematic and conventionalized set of symbols or signs, which, in the context of language, represents a specific linguistic system or variety. “Switching” conveys the act of changing or alternating. Coined in the mid-20th century, code-switching initially emerged in studies examining bilingual and multilingual speech patterns, gradually expanding to encompass a broader range of communicative contexts and linguistic phenomena.

Meanings and Concept

• Linguistic Dexterity:
  • Code-switching involves the skillful alternation between two or more languages or linguistic varieties within a single discourse, conversation, or text.
• Cultural and Social Context:
  • It is often influenced by the cultural and social context in which communication occurs, reflecting the speaker’s identity, affiliations, and the dynamics of the communication setting.
• Expressive Function:
  • Code-switching serves expressive functions, allowing speakers to convey subtle nuances, emotions, or specific cultural references that may be more accurately expressed in one language or variety over another.
• Identity Construction:
  • Within literature, code-switching contributes to the construction of characters’ identities, portraying the complex ways individuals navigate linguistic and cultural spaces to establish their sense of self.
• Bilingual Creativity:
  • In creative writing, code-switching can be employed as a form of linguistic creativity, adding depth and authenticity to dialogue, particularly in works that explore multicultural or multilingual settings.
• Social Dynamics and Power:
  • Code-switching may also reflect social dynamics and power relations, as individuals strategically choose languages or varieties to assert authority, establish solidarity, or negotiate social hierarchies.
• Postcolonial Discourse:
  • In the context of postcolonial literature and theory, code-switching becomes a tool for examining the legacy of colonialism, illustrating the linguistic consequences of cultural intersectionality and the blending of indigenous and colonial languages.

Code-switching, as both a linguistic phenomenon and a literary device, embodies the dynamic and adaptive nature of language, reflecting the intricate interplay between individual expression, cultural identity, and the social contexts in which communication unfolds.

Code-Switching: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Code-switching, within the realm of sociolinguistics and literary theory, refers to the systematic alternation between two or more languages or linguistic varieties within a single communicative context. This phenomenon is intricately tied to cultural and social dynamics, serving as a linguistic strategy for individuals to navigate diverse identity constructions and convey nuanced meanings. In literature, code-switching is a deliberate and expressive device used by authors to authentically depict multilingual and multicultural realities, portraying characters and dialogue that reflect the complexities of linguistic diversity and cultural identity.

Code-Switching: Theorists, Works and Argument

Code-Switching: Major Characteristics

1. Linguistic Flexibility:
   • It involves the seamless transition between two or more languages or linguistic varieties, showcasing a speaker’s linguistic dexterity.
2. Cultural and Social Context:
   • The practice is often influenced by the cultural and social context, reflecting the speaker’s identity, affiliations, and the dynamics of the communication setting.
3. Expressive Function:
   • It serves expressive functions, allowing speakers to convey subtle nuances, emotions, or specific cultural references more accurately in one language or variety over another.
4. Identity Construction:
   • Within literature, it contributes to the construction of characters’ identities, portraying the complex ways individuals navigate linguistic and cultural spaces to establish their sense of self.
5. Narrative Style:
   • Authors may use it as a stylistic choice to mirror the way people speak in real life, contributing to the natural flow of dialogue and adding authenticity to the narrative.
6. Bilingual Creativity:
   • In creative writing, it can be employed as a form of linguistic creativity, adding depth and authenticity to dialogue, particularly in works that explore multicultural or multilingual settings.
7. Social Dynamics and Power:
   • It may also reflect social dynamics and power relations, as individuals strategically choose languages or varieties to assert authority, establish solidarity, or negotiate social hierarchies.

Examples from Literature:

1. In Junot Díaz’s The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, characters seamlessly switch between English and Spanish, reflecting the bilingual and bicultural experiences of the Dominican-American community portrayed in the novel.
2. In Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, code-switching occurs when characters navigate the linguistic landscape of colonial Nigeria, switching between indigenous languages and English to convey the cultural clash and power dynamics of colonization.
3. Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake employs code-switching to depict the immigrant experience of the Ganguli family, showcasing how they navigate English and Bengali in different social and familial contexts.
4. In Zadie Smith’s White Teeth, code-switching is utilized to portray the multicultural and multigenerational dynamics of characters in a diverse London setting, reflecting the linguistic adaptability required in their daily lives.

These examples illustrate how code-switching in literature enhances authenticity, captures cultural intricacies, and contributes to the overall richness of narrative representation.

Code-Switching: Relevance in Literary Theories

Code-Switching: Application in Critiques

In these critiques of Latin American novels, code-switching emerges as a powerful literary device employed by authors to authentically depict cultural identities, historical changes, and societal complexities unique to the region. The intentional use of code-switching enriches the narratives, offering readers a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between language, culture, and the socio-political contexts explored in these works.

Code-Switching: Relevant Terms

1. Heteroglossia: Bakhtin’s term describing the coexistence of multiple voices, languages, or discourses within a literary work, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of diverse linguistic elements.
2. Postcolonialism: Examines the cultural, social, and linguistic consequences of colonialism, relevant in analyzing how code-switching reflects power dynamics and identity in postcolonial literature.
3. Dialogism: Rooted in Bakhtinian theory, it emphasizes the interactive and dynamic nature of language, crucial for understanding how code-switching constructs social relations and identities.
4. Multivocality: Highlights the presence of multiple voices or perspectives within a text, pertinent to the analysis of code-switching as a tool for representing diverse linguistic and cultural experiences.
5. Hybridity: Explores the blending of different cultural and linguistic elements, essential in discussions about code-switching’s role in portraying complex identities and cultural intersections.
6. Polyphony: A term related to Bakhtinian ideas, referring to the simultaneous presence of multiple independent voices or perspectives, offering a framework for understanding the layered nature of code-switching.
7. Cultural Hybridization: Examines the merging of cultural elements in literature, providing insights into how code-switching reflects the hybrid nature of cultural identities in a globalized world.
8. Linguistic Anthropology: Explores language use in social and cultural contexts, providing a foundation for understanding how code-switching serves communicative and identity-related functions in literature.
9. Identity Politics: Analyzes how social and cultural identities intersect and influence power dynamics, crucial for understanding how code-switching contributes to the portrayal of complex identities in literature.
10. Translingualism: Focuses on literary works that transcend single linguistic boundaries, aligning with discussions on code-switching as a means of authentically representing multilingual realities and experiences.

Code-Switching: Suggested Readings

1. Achebe, Chinua. Things Fall Apart. Anchor Books, 1994.
2. Allende, Isabel. The House of the Spirits. Vintage Books, 2005.
3. Díaz, Junot. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. Riverhead Books, 2008.
4. García Márquez, Gabriel. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Harper Perennial, 2006.
5. Lahiri, Jhumpa. The Namesake. Mariner Books, 2004.
6. Smith, Zadie. White Teeth. Vintage Books, 2001.
7. Vargas Llosa, Mario. Conversation in the Cathedral. HarperCollins, 2014.
8. Vargas Llosa, Mario. The Feast of the Goat. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2000.
9. Allende, Isabel. Eva Luna. Harper Perennial, 2015.

Alienation Effect: Etymology, Meanings and Concept

Origin of Term

The term “alienation effect” traces its roots to the groundbreaking theatrical theories of German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht. Coined as “Verfremdungseffekt” in German, it emerged in the early to mid-20th century as a central tenet of Brecht’s epic theater. Brecht, dissatisfied with traditional dramatic forms that sought to elicit emotional identification from the audience, introduced the alienation effect as a deliberate strategy to disrupt the spectator’s passive engagement with the performance. The concept aimed to estrange or distance the audience from the narrative, characters, and emotions, fostering a critical and reflective stance towards the social and political themes presented on stage.

Meanings and Concept

Alienation Effect: Definition of a Theoretical Term

The alienation effect, rooted in the theatrical theories of Bertolt Brecht, is a conceptual framework aimed at disrupting traditional audience immersion in dramatic narratives. Employed as a deliberate distancing mechanism, this technique seeks to estrange spectators from emotional engagement, prompting a critical and reflective engagement with the socio-political themes presented on stage. Originating in Brecht’s epic theater, the alienation effect serves as both a theatrical device and a broader socio-political strategy, encouraging a heightened cognitive distance for the purpose of fostering critical analysis and social awareness.

Alienation Effect: Theorists, Works and Argument

Alienation Effect: Major Characteristics

• Distancing Techniques: Utilizes various theatrical methods, such as breaking the fourth wall, employing placards, or using stylized performances, to create a deliberate separation between the audience and the dramatic narrative.
• Emotional Estrangement: Intentionally disrupts the audience’s emotional engagement with characters and plot, preventing passive identification and encouraging a critical, reflective stance.
• Intellectual Engagement: Aims to stimulate intellectual involvement by prompting the audience to actively analyze and question societal issues rather than passively consuming the narrative.
• Socio-Political Critique: Originating in Brecht’s Marxist perspective, the alienation effects extend beyond the stage, encouraging a critical examination of social structures, class struggles, and prevailing ideologies.
• Educational Purpose: Conceived as an educational tool, the alienation effects seek to raise awareness and promote a conscious understanding of societal dynamics, fostering a more informed and discerning audience.
• Dialectical Materialism Influence: Aligned with dialectical materialism, the concept emphasizes an objective analysis of societal contradictions and historical processes, encouraging viewers to perceive the underlying dynamics of social systems.

Alienation Effect: Relevance in Literary Theories

Alienation Effect: Application in Critiques

Alienation Effect: Relevant Terms

Alienation Effect: Suggested Readings

1. Brecht, Bertolt. Brecht on Theatre: The Development of an Aesthetic. Edited by John Willett, translated by John Willett, Methuen, 1964.
2. Haneke, Michael. Funny Games. Film4 Productions, 2007.
3. Marx, Karl, and Friedrich Engels. The Communist Manifesto. Edited by Frederic L. Bender, Norton, 1988.
4. Orwell, George. 1984. Signet Classic, 1950.

Passing: Etymology, Meanings, and Concept

Etymology

The term “passing” has its roots in Middle English, derived from the Old French word “passe,” meaning “a mountain pass” or “to pass through.” Over time, the term evolved to encompass various notions of transition, movement, and crossing boundaries. In the context of identity, particularly racial or social identity, “passing” has come to signify the act of presenting oneself as a member of a different social or racial group than one belongs to, often with the goal of gaining social acceptance or avoiding discrimination.

Meanings and Concept

The term carries a rich historical and cultural context, and its meanings extend beyond physical movement to encompass complex discussions on identity, societal expectations, and the fluid nature of human experience.

Passing: Definition of a Theoretical Term

“Passing” as a theoretical term refers to the act of presenting oneself as a member of a social or racial group different from one’s actual identity, often motivated by a desire for social acceptance or the avoidance of discrimination. This concept, deeply rooted in issues of identity and societal expectations, involves a deliberate navigation of boundaries, prompting critical reflections on authenticity, self-perception, and the impact of societal norms on individual experiences. The term is particularly significant in the analysis of race and social dynamics, revealing the complex intersections of identity, deception, and the historical and cultural contexts in which such acts occur.

Passing: Theorists, Works and Argument

These theorists and their works contribute to its understanding from various perspectives, including racial dynamics, gender identity, and the social implications of navigating multiple facets of identity.

Passing: Major Characteristics

1. Deceptive Presentation: Passing involves deliberately presenting oneself as a member of a social or racial group different from one’s actual identity, often with the intention of gaining social acceptance or avoiding discrimination.
2. Identity Negotiation: Individuals engaged in passing navigate the complex terrain of societal expectations, negotiating their identity within the context of prevailing norms and prejudices.
3. Societal Expectations: The act of passing is deeply influenced by societal expectations and biases, reflecting the challenges individuals face in conforming to or subverting prevailing norms.
4. Intersectionality: Passing often intersects with various aspects of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, and class, revealing the intricate ways in which these elements interact and influence each other.
5. Psychological Impact: The psychological impact of passing involves grappling with questions of authenticity, self-perception, and the internal conflict that arises from presenting a different outward identity from one’s true self.
6. Historical Significance: Passing has historical significance, particularly in the context of racial identity, with roots in periods of intense racial segregation and discrimination.
7. Literary and Cinematic Themes: The theme of passing is a recurring motif in literature and cinema, exploring the personal and societal consequences of concealing or revealing one’s true identity.
8. Ethical Considerations: Engaging in passing raises ethical questions about the choices individuals make, the consequences of their actions, and the broader societal impact of challenging or conforming to established norms.
9. Fluidity of Identity: Passing highlights the fluid nature of identity, suggesting that identity is not fixed but can be adapted or concealed based on societal expectations and individual choices.
10. Social Commentary: Acts of passing serve as a form of social commentary, shedding light on prevailing prejudices, systemic inequalities, and the lengths to which individuals may go to navigate societal expectations.

Passing: Relevance in Literary Theories

Each literary theory offers a unique perspective on passing, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the concept within diverse social, cultural, and historical contexts.

Passing: Application in Critiques

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • Passing as Wealth: The character of Jay Gatsby can be analyzed as someone who engages in passing by presenting himself as wealthy and part of the upper echelon of society. This passing is a reflection of the American Dream and societal expectations during the Jazz Age.
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
   • Passing of Racial Identity: The novel explores passing in the context of racial identity. Characters like Tom Robinson and Calpurnia navigate societal expectations by presenting themselves differently within the racial hierarchy of the segregated South.
3. The Help by Kathryn Stockett:
   • Racial Passing and Social Dynamics: The novel delves into it within the racial context, as African-American maids “pass” as subservient to navigate the racially charged social dynamics of the 1960s in the Southern United States.
4. Passing by Nella Larsen:
   • Exploration of Racial Passing: In this novel, it is at the forefront, with characters negotiating their racial identities. The critique can focus on Larsen’s portrayal of the psychological toll and societal consequences of passing in early 20th-century America.

In each critique, the analysis enriches the understanding of characters’ motivations, societal expectations, and the broader thematic explorations within the novels. The concept of passing serves as a lens through which to examine the characters’ experiences and the societal norms that shape their decisions.

Passing: Relevant Terms

Passing: Suggested Readings

1. Butler, Octavia E. Kindred. Beacon Press, 1979.
2. Chesnutt, Charles W. The House Behind the Cedars. Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1900.
3. Ellison, Ralph. The Invisible Man. Vintage, 1952.
4. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
5. Griffin, John Howard. Black Like Me. Sepia, 1961.
6. Highsmith, Patricia. The Talented Mr. Ripley. W. W. Norton & Company, 1955.
7. Johnson, James Weldon. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man. Dover Publications, 1912.
8. Larsen, Nella. Passing. Knopf, 1929.
9. Roth, Philip. The Human Stain. Vintage, 2000.
10. Senna, Danzy. Caucasia. Riverhead Books, 1998.

Theory Books:

1. Fanon, Frantz. Black Skin, White Masks. Grove Press, 1952.
2. Gates, Henry Louis Jr. Passing: Identity and Interpretation in Sexuality, Race, and Religion. Yale University Press, 1991.
3. Hughes, Langston. The Ways of White Folks. Knopf, 1934.

Parallax: Etymology and Concept

Parallax: Etymology

The term “parallax” has its roots in the Greek language, originating from the combination of two key components: “para,” signifying beside or beyond, and “allaxis,” denoting a change or alteration. This linguistic synthesis encapsulates the fundamental concept of parallax—an apparent displacement or difference in the position of an object when viewed from distinct perspectives.

The etymology underscores the notion of a perceptual shift, emphasizing the transformative nature of observation and the inherent alteration in the visual understanding of an object when seen from various vantage points.

Parallax: Meanings and Concept

Parallax: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Parallax, in a theoretical context, refers to the apparent displacement or difference in the position of an object when observed from different viewpoints. This phenomenon is crucial in fields such as astronomy, where it is employed to measure distances to celestial objects based on the shift in their apparent position during Earth’s orbit. Beyond the literal, it carries metaphorical significance, symbolizing the impact of varied perspectives on the interpretation of information and experiences.

Parallax: Theorists, Works and Argument

Parallax: Major Characteristics

1. Apparent Displacement: It involves the perceived shift or displacement of an object’s position when observed from different viewpoints, creating an optical illusion of movement or change.
2. Perspective Alteration: The concept highlights the impact of varied observation points on the interpretation of spatial relationships and distances, emphasizing the transformative nature of different perspectives.
3. Visual Discrepancy: Parallax introduces a visual discrepancy in the way an object appears when viewed from distinct locations, contributing to the understanding that perception is influenced by the observer’s position.
4. Astronomical Application: In astronomy, parallax is utilized as a measurement technique to determine the distances to celestial objects by observing their apparent movement against the background of more distant stars during Earth’s orbit.
5. Metaphorical Significance: Beyond its literal applications, parallax carries metaphorical significance, symbolizing the impact of varied perspectives on the interpretation of information, experiences, and the complexities of reality.
6. Philosophical Tool: Philosophically, parallax serves as a tool for examining contradictions within perceptions and ideologies, prompting a reassessment of reality, truth, and the inherent complexities of human understanding.
7. Scientific Revolutions: The concept is analogous to Thomas Kuhn’s idea of paradigm shifts in the philosophy of science, where fundamental changes in perspective lead to scientific revolutions and the reevaluation of existing frameworks and theories.
8. Ethical Considerations: Scholars like Emmanuel Levinas explore the ethical dimensions of parallax, emphasizing its role in disrupting traditional notions of totality and infinity, particularly in the context of encounters with the Other.
9. Transformative Nature: Parallax, as discussed by Gilles Deleuze, underscores the transformative nature of difference, repetition, and variation, challenging conventional notions of identity, continuity, and sameness.
10. Critical and Analytical Tool: Parallax is employed as a critical and analytical tool by theorists such as Slavoj Žižek, who use it to unveil contradictions within ideologies, prompting a reexamination of reality and the structures that shape our understanding.

Parallax: Relevance in Literary Theories

Parallax: Application in Critiques

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
   • Parallax Critique: In “To Kill a Mockingbird,” parallax is evident in the differing perspectives of characters like Atticus Finch and the townspeople regarding racial injustice. The narrative reveals the visual discrepancy in how justice is perceived, emphasizing the impact of diverse viewpoints on the interpretation of morality and social norms.
2. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez:
   • Parallax Critique: Márquez’s novel employs parallax to depict the Buendía family’s history from multiple perspectives and timelines. The narrative showcases the transformative nature of varying viewpoints, creating a visual and thematic richness that challenges traditional linear storytelling, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of time and history.
3. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • Parallax Critique: In “The Great Gatsby,” parallax is evident in the contrasting perspectives of the characters, especially Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby. The novel explores the visual and emotional discrepancies between the façade of wealth and the underlying personal struggles, emphasizing the shifting viewpoints that shape the characters’ interpretations of success and the American Dream.
4. Beloved by Toni Morrison:
   • Parallax Critique: Morrison’s “Beloved” utilizes parallax to explore the impact of historical trauma on individual and collective memory. The narrative shifts perspectives between characters and time periods, revealing the visual and emotional discrepancies in how the characters interpret and cope with the haunting legacy of slavery, offering a profound exploration of identity and remembrance.

In these critiques, parallax serves as a lens through which to analyze the complexities of the narratives, emphasizing the influence of varied perspectives on the interpretation of themes, characters, and societal issues within each literary work.

Parallax: Relevant Terms

Parallax: Suggested Readings

1. Deleuze, Gilles. Difference and Repetition. Columbia University Press, 1994.
2. Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.
3. Jameson, Fredric. The Prison-House of Language: A Critical Account of Structuralism and Russian Formalism. Princeton University Press, 1972.
4. Kuhn, Thomas. The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. University of Chicago Press, 1962.
5. Levinas, Emmanuel. Totality and Infinity: An Essay on Exteriority. Duquesne University Press, 1969.
6. Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1960.
7. Morrison, Toni. Beloved. Alfred A. Knopf, 1987.
8. Žižek, Slavoj. The Parallax View. The MIT Press, 2006.
9. Márquez, Gabriel García. One Hundred Years of Solitude. Harper & Row, 1970.