“Becoming” in Literature & Literary Theory

Becoming: Etymology and Concept

The etymology of “becoming” originates from the Old English term “becuman,” signifying “to come to” or “to arrive.” It has Germanic roots with counterparts in Old High German and Old Norse.

In the evolution of the English language, “becoming” has broadened to encompass a wider spectrum of meanings related to change, transformation, or development, especially concerning personal growth or transitions between states or conditions. This term encapsulates the concept of change and improvement in various life aspects.

In theory, “becoming” represents ongoing transformation and dynamic change. It applies to fields like philosophy, sociology, and literary theory, examining processes of development, whether in personal growth, societal shifts, or character and narrative evolution in literature. It highlights the fluid nature of entities, identities, and narratives, emphasizing their constant state of change and adaptation. This dynamic perspective is crucial for understanding complex systems, human experiences, and the narratives that portray them.

Becoming: Meanings of Concept

Aspect	Meanings
Philosophical Concept	In philosophy, it refers to the process of change, transition, or the evolution of states or entities over time. It contrasts with “being,” highlighting the impermanence and fluid nature of existence.
Literary Theory	In literary theory, it is often associated with character development, transformation, and the evolution of narratives. It explores how characters and stories change and develop throughout a literary work.
Personal Growth and Development	In the context of personal growth, it signifies the process of self-discovery and self-improvement, particularly in terms of evolving one’s identity, skills, or values.
Societal and Cultural Change	“Becoming” can also refer to societal and cultural shifts or transformations over time. It relates to changes in norms, values, and behaviors within a given society.
Scientific and Biological Processes	In science and biology, “becoming” denotes processes such as development, growth, or evolution, where entities or organisms transform from one state to another.
Metaphysical and Existential Concepts	In metaphysical and existential contexts, “becoming” explores questions about existence, change, and the nature of reality, often addressing the idea of continual transformation.
Literary Works and Artistic Expression	In literature and the arts, “becoming” can refer to the central theme of personal or societal transformation and how this theme is portrayed, explored, or symbolized within creative works.

Becoming: Definition as a Theoretical Term

As a theoretical term, “becoming” refers to the dynamic and continuous process of change and transformation within various contexts, including philosophy, literature, and the analysis of complex systems.

It underscores the fluid and evolving nature of entities, identities, or narratives, emphasizing their state of flux and adaptation over time. In philosophy, it often stands in contrast to “being,” highlighting the impermanence and the ever-evolving nature of existence and entities.

Becoming: Theorits, Works, and Arguments

Theorist and Work	Arguments
Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari:	– Work: A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia. – Argument: Deleuze and Guattari introduce the concept of “becoming” as a central theme in their work. They argue that literature can be seen as a space where characters and narratives continually undergo processes of becoming, challenging fixed identities and embracing fluidity.
Mikhail Bakhtin:	– Work: The Dialogic Imagination. – Argument: Bakhtin’s ideas on dialogism and heteroglossia emphasize how characters and narratives are in a state of becoming through interactions and dialogues. He highlights the dynamic nature of language and its role in character development.
Julia Kristeva:	– Work: Desire in Language. – Argument: Kristeva’s concept of intertextuality explores how texts are interconnected and in a state of becoming through the influence of other texts. She emphasizes the role of language in the evolution of meaning and narratives.
Roland Barthes:	– Work: The Death of the Author. – Argument: Barthes challenges the notion of a fixed, authoritative author and suggests that readers actively participate in the becoming of a text. He argues for the plurality of interpretations and evolving meanings.
Poststructuralist and Postmodern Theorists:	– Works: Various poststructuralist and postmodern theorists, including Jacques Derrida, Michel Foucault, and Jean-François Lyotard, have contributed to the understanding of “becoming” in literary theory. They emphasize the deconstruction of fixed meanings and the evolving nature of texts and narratives.

Becoming: Relevance in Literary Theories

1. Character Development: “Becoming” is central to character development in literature. It underscores how characters evolve and transform over the course of a narrative, reflecting their growth, self-discovery, and changes in identity. This aspect is particularly pertinent in literary theories that focus on character studies and psychology.
2. Narrative Evolution: The concept of “becoming” extends to the evolution of narratives themselves. It addresses how stories change and develop as they progress, reflecting shifts in themes, meanings, and storytelling techniques. Narrative theories often explore the dynamic nature of storytelling.
3. Intertextuality: In literary theories that emphasize intertextuality, “becoming” plays a crucial role. It examines how texts are interconnected and influence one another, leading to the transformation of meanings and interpretations across different works and genres.
4. Poststructuralism and Deconstruction: In poststructuralist literary theories, “becoming” is employed to deconstruct fixed meanings and to challenge traditional interpretations. It highlights the fluid and evolving nature of texts, urging readers to consider multiple, evolving perspectives.
5. Dialogism and Heteroglossia: “Becoming” is relevant in Bakhtinian literary theories that stress dialogism and heteroglossia. It emphasizes the dynamic nature of language and its role in character and narrative development, particularly in dialogues and interactions.
6. Metaphysical and Existential Themes: Literary theories exploring metaphysical and existential themes often address the concept of “becoming” in the context of existence, change, and the nature of reality. It delves into questions about continual transformation and evolution.
7. Postmodernism: In postmodern literary theories, “becoming” aligns with the idea of fluid identities and narratives. It challenges fixed interpretations and embraces the multiplicity of meanings and the ever-changing nature of literature.

Becoming: Application in Critiques

Novel Title	Theme of Becoming
The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992)	– Explores the concept of “becoming” through choices, leading to a destabilization of fixed identities as characters grapple with moral dilemmas.
	– The first-person narrative within an elite Classics student group reflects a journey of “becoming” as characters confront the outcomes of their actions.
	– Influences contemporary mystery and thriller genres by challenging conventional notions of morality and identity.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (2011)	– Embodies the theme of “becoming” as characters engage in a transformative process driven by magical abilities and challenges.
	– The nonlinear narrative structure and intricate world-building contribute to a sense of fluidity and transformation, aligning with the idea of “becoming.”
	– Gained a strong fanbase and is considered a modern fantasy classic, engaging readers in narratives of fluid identities and ever-changing relationships.
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood (2019)	– Delves into themes of dystopia, power, and rebellion, interpreted as a process of “becoming” as characters resist and transform within the oppressive society depicted.
	– The speculative fiction nature of the novel, along with its sequel status to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” challenges established identities and explores character and societal evolution.
	– Anticipation and winning of the Booker Prize demonstrate its engagement with readers in questioning and transforming oppressive systems, aligning with the idea of “becoming.”
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (2018)	– Explores the concept of “becoming” through the protagonist, Kya, who undergoes a transformative journey as she navigates loneliness and her connection to the natural world.
	– Combines mystery, romance, and nature writing to depict Kya’s evolution, embracing the idea of fluid identities and transformations.
	– Critical acclaim and bestseller status indicate its resonance with readers, particularly in the context of individuals navigating life’s challenges and becoming their true selves.

Becoming: Suggested Readings of Books

1. Deleuze, Gilles, and Félix Guattari. A Thousand Plateaus: Capitalism and Schizophrenia. Translated by Brian Massumi, University of Minnesota Press, 1987.
2. Foucault, Michel. The Archaeology of Knowledge. Translated by A. M. Sheridan Smith, Routledge, 2002.
3. Butler, Judith. Bodies That Matter: On the Discursive Limits of “Sex”. Routledge, 1993.
4. Obama, Michelle. Becoming. Crown, 2018.
5. Atwood, Margaret. The Testaments. Nan A. Talese, 2019.
6. Morgenstern, Erin. The Night Circus. Anchor, 2012.
7. Tartt, Donna. The Secret History. Vintage, 1992.
8. Owens, Delia. Where the Crawdads Sing. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018.