Palimpsest in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Palimpsest

The term “palimpsest” originates from the Greek words “palin,” meaning “again” or “anew,” and “psēstos,” meaning “rubbed” or “scraped.” Historically, a palimpsest referred to a manuscript or document from which the original writing had been erased or scraped off to make room for new content, allowing the parchment or vellum to be reused. This practice was particularly common in ancient times due to the scarcity and high cost of writing materials.

Since then, the term has evolved beyond its literal meaning, gaining metaphorical significance in literary and cultural contexts. In contemporary usage, a palimpsest means a layered or multi-dimensional artifact, text, or space that bears visible traces of its past, inviting interpretation and revealing the complexities of its history.

Meanings of Palimpsest

Aspect	Meaning
Manuscript Resilience	Historically, the term denotes a manuscript where original writing has been erased, showcasing the resilience of the writing material.
Layered Cultural Significance	Metaphorically, it signifies a layered artifact with cultural and historical significance, suggesting a complex interplay of meanings.
Textual Complexity and Interpretation	In contemporary usage, it represents a text or space with visible traces of past iterations, inviting interpretation and depth.
Revealing Historical Imprints	Acts as a tangible record of historical imprints, preserving elements of earlier inscriptions beneath subsequent layers.
Multifaceted Literary Symbol	As a literary symbol, it represents the intricate nature of texts or narratives carrying multiple layers of meaning.

Definition of Palimpsest as a Theoretical Term

In literary theory, a palimpsest is conceptualized as a layered text or artifact embodying historical and cultural imprints. This term is employed to elucidate the complexity of texts or spaces that bear visible traces of prior inscriptions, inviting nuanced interpretations. Within a theoretical framework, a palimpsest serves as a metaphor for the dynamic interplay between layers of meaning, emphasizing the richness derived from the coexistence of diverse historical, cultural, and textual elements.

Palimpsest: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorists:

1. Mikhail Bakhtin:
   • Background: Russian philosopher and literary critic, known for his contributions to dialogism and literary theory.
   • Work: “The Dialogic Imagination” – Explores the dialogic nature of language and the interaction between different voices in a text.
   • Argument: Emphasizes the polyphonic nature of texts, viewing them as dynamic and open to multiple interpretations. Within the context of a palimpsest, Bakhtin explores the continual dialogue between past and present meanings within a text.
2. Jacques Derrida:
   • Background: French philosopher associated with deconstruction and postmodern philosophy.
   • Work: “Archive Fever” – Examines the relationship between archives, memory, and the erasure and rewriting of texts.
   • Argument: Considers the palimpsest as a metaphor for the instability of meaning. Derrida explores how texts carry traces of other texts, and the act of erasure and rewriting contributes to the ever-shifting nature of interpretation.
3. Michel Foucault:
   • Background: French philosopher and social theorist known for his work on power, knowledge, and archaeology.
   • Work: “The Archaeology of Knowledge” – Presents his archaeological method for analyzing discourses.
   • Argument: Involves uncovering layers of discourse in historical texts through the archaeological method. The palimpsest, in this context, represents the sedimentation of discourse over time, revealing the historical strata embedded in language.
4. Roland Barthes:
   • Background: French literary theorist, semiotician, and cultural critic.
   • Work: “S/Z” – Analyzes the structure of Balzac’s short story “Sarrasine.”
   • Argument: Barthes analyzes narrative texts and introduces the idea of the writerly text. The palimpsest reflects the multitude of codes and signifiers in a text, allowing for various readerly interpretations.
5. Julia Kristeva:
   • Background: Bulgarian-French philosopher, literary critic, and psychoanalyst, associated with poststructuralism.
   • Work: “Desire in Language” – Explores the relationship between language, desire, and the unconscious.
   • Argument: Explores intertextuality, suggesting that texts are interwoven with other texts. The palimpsest signifies the blending of diverse discourses and cultural influences within a text, delving into the complexities of language and cultural intersections.

Palimpsest and Literary Theories

Theory	Relevance
Postcolonialism	Explores how palimpsests reflect colonial histories, with layers of erased or overwritten narratives. Postcolonial literature engages with cultural memory and the reclamation of silenced voices.
Feminist Criticism	Examines gendered palimpsests, unveiling overwritten stories of women. Feminist analysis explores patriarchal structures erasing women’s narratives and the potential for feminist reinterpretation.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Considers the palimpsest as a metaphor for the unconscious mind, with buried memories and repressed desires. Psychoanalytic theorists reveal hidden conflicts and psychological dimensions within texts.
Structuralism/Poststructuralism	Within structuralism, palimpsests contribute to the analysis of binary oppositions and intertextuality. Poststructuralism challenges fixed meanings, emphasizing fluid interpretations and constant rewriting.
Cultural Studies	Analyzes palimpsests as cultural artifacts, reflecting dynamic exchanges within societies. Cultural studies explore how palimpsests contribute to constructing cultural identities and negotiating power dynamics.
Narratology	Enriches understanding of narrative structures, emphasizing transitions and transformations. Palimpsests, as narratives with layers of meaning, contribute to exploring how stories evolve over time.
Existentialism	Connects with the existential idea of constant becoming and the search for identity. Palimpsests reflect the existential struggle to define oneself in the face of ever-changing circumstances.
Queer Theory	Examines palimpsests in the context of fluid identities and marginalized voices. Queer theory explores how LGBTQ+ narratives, often erased or overwritten, can be uncovered and celebrated.

Palimpsest in Literary Criticism

1. “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman:
   • Palimpsest Analysis: The narrative serves as a palimpsest, with the protagonist’s evolving perceptions revealing layers of suppressed thoughts. The wallpaper becomes a metaphorical canvas for the protagonist’s hidden desires and struggles.
   • Critique: Gilman employs the palimpsestic structure to convey the complex psychological unraveling of the protagonist, providing readers with layers of meaning to decipher.
2. “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville:
   • Palimpsest Analysis: The office environment acts as a palimpsest, symbolizing societal expectations and the erasure of individuality. Bartleby’s passive resistance serves as a layer challenging the established norms.
   • Critique: Melville uses the palimpsestic framework to critique the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, with Bartleby’s persistent presence leaving an indelible mark on the narrative.
3. “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien:
   • Palimpsest Analysis: O’Brien employs a palimpsestic narrative structure, layering memories of the Vietnam War to convey the weight carried by soldiers. The shifting perspectives reveal the emotional imprints left on the characters.
   • Critique: The palimpsest adds depth to the exploration of trauma, allowing readers to engage with the cumulative impact of war experiences on the characters.
4. “The Garden Party” by Katherine Mansfield:
   • Palimpsest Analysis: Mansfield uses the garden party setting as a palimpsest, with layers of social class distinctions and the collision of different worlds. Laura’s transformative experience serves as a pivotal layer.
   • Critique: The palimpsestic approach enhances the exploration of societal conventions and personal growth, offering readers nuanced insights into the complexities of class dynamics.

These short stories showcase the versatility of the palimpsest as a literary device, allowing authors to weave intricate narratives that unfold through layers of meaning and interpretation.

Suggested Readings

1. Barthes, Roland. S/Z. Hill and Wang, 1974.
2. Genette, Gérard. Palimpsests: Literature in the Second Degree. University of Nebraska Press, 1997.
3. McHale, Brian. Postmodernist Fiction. Routledge, 1987.
4. Mitchell, W. J. T. Picture Theory: Essays on Verbal and Visual Representation. University of Chicago Press, 1994.
5. Nünning, Ansgar, and Vera Nünning. Cultural Ways of Worldmaking: Media and Narratives. Narr Francke Attempto, 2010.
6. Ricœur, Paul. Time and Narrative. University of Chicago Press, 1984-1988.
7. Winterson, Jeanette. Art Objects: Essays on Ecstasy and Effrontery. Knopf, 1996.
8. Yates, Frances A. The Art of Memory. Pimlico, 1966.
9. Young, James E. The Texture of Memory: Holocaust Memorials and Meaning. Yale University Press, 1993.