Parallax in Literature and Literary Theory

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

Meanings and Concept

– Apparent Displacement: The perceived shift or change in the position of an object when observed from different angles or viewpoints.

– Perspective Alteration: The impact of varied observation points on the interpretation of spatial relationships and distances.

– Visual Discrepancy: The discrepancy between the way an object appears when seen from different locations, leading to an optical illusion of movement or change.

– Astronomical Parallax: In astronomy, parallax is utilized to measure distances to celestial objects by observing their apparent movement against the background of more distant stars during Earth’s orbit.

– Metaphorical Significance: Extending beyond the literal, parallax carries metaphorical significance, suggesting that one’s viewpoint influences understanding, creating a metaphorical parallax in interpreting information or experiences.

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

Theorist	Works	Key Argument
Emmanuel Levinas	Totality and Infinity (1961)	Levinas explores the ethical implications with its reference, arguing that the encounter with the Other creates a fundamental shift in perspective, disrupting traditional notions of totality and infinity.
Slavoj Žižek	The Parallax View (2006)	Žižek delves into the concept as a philosophical tool, proposing that it reveals the inherent contradictions within our perceptions and ideologies, leading to a reassessment of reality and ideology.
Thomas Kuhn	The Structure of Scientific Revolutions (1962)	Kuhn applies the concept of paradigm shifts, akin to it, in the philosophy of science, arguing that scientific revolutions involve a change in perspective, challenging existing frameworks and theories.
Gilles Deleuze	Difference and Repetition (1968)	Deleuze explores the idea of difference as a form of parallax, emphasizing the transformative nature of repetition and variation, challenging conventional notions of identity and continuity.
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak	A Critique of Postcolonial Reason (1999)	Spivak uses the concept of parallax in postcolonial studies, arguing that the perspective of the subaltern, often marginalized in Western discourse, necessitates a shift in understanding and challenges dominant narratives.

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

Literary Theory	Relevance of Parallax
Reader-Response Theory	Parallax is relevant in reader-response theory as it highlights the influence of diverse reader perspectives on the interpretation of a literary work. The shifting viewpoints create a dynamic interaction between the text and its readers, shaping the meaning and significance of the narrative.
Deconstruction	In deconstruction, parallax is pertinent as it aligns with the idea of inherent contradictions and shifts in meaning. Deconstructive readings emphasize the instability of language and interpretations, making parallax a valuable concept for exploring the complexities and fluidity of textual meanings.
Feminist Literary Theory	Parallax is significant in feminist literary theory by acknowledging the importance of diverse perspectives, especially those marginalized or silenced. It allows for the exploration of multiple viewpoints, challenging traditional narratives and fostering a deeper understanding of gender roles and power dynamics within literature.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Within postcolonial theory, parallax is relevant in examining the impact of varied perspectives on narratives of colonization and resistance. It underscores the need to shift viewpoints to understand the complexities of postcolonial experiences, challenging Eurocentric perspectives and offering a more inclusive understanding of cultural narratives.
Psychoanalytic Literary Theory	Parallax finds relevance in psychoanalytic theory as it aligns with the idea of shifting perspectives and multiple layers of interpretation. The concept is employed to explore the complexities of the human psyche, uncovering hidden meanings and revealing the interplay of conscious and unconscious elements in literary texts.
Marxist Literary Theory	In Marxist literary theory, parallax is pertinent for examining class perspectives and contradictions within societal structures. It allows for a dynamic analysis of shifting viewpoints related to power, ideology, and socioeconomic relationships, contributing to a deeper understanding of how literature reflects and challenges existing power dynamics.

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

Literary Term	Definition
Perspective Shift	Change in viewpoint within a narrative.
Polyphony	Presence of multiple voices in a literary work.
Ambiguity	Deliberate use of unclear or multiple meanings.
Narrative Unreliability	Narrator’s trustworthiness is questionable.
Intertextuality	Interconnectedness of texts, influencing interpretation.
Deconstruction	Exploration of language instability and contradictions.
Stream of Consciousness	Reflects continuous flow of thoughts and feelings.
Metafiction	Fiction drawing attention to its own fictional nature.
Dialogism	Inclusion of diverse voices, fostering dynamic interaction.
Postmodernism	Literary movement skeptical of grand narratives.

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.