Figures of Literary Discourse (European Perspectives)

by Gérard Genette, G-Erard Genette

English, French (translation)

303 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

About the author

Genette was largely responsible for the reintroduction of a rhetorical vocabulary into literary criticism, for example such terms as trope and metonymy. Additionally his work on narrative, best known in English through the selection Narrative Discourse: An Essay in Method, has been of importance.[2] His major work is the multi-part Figures series, of which Narrative Discourse is a section. His trilogy on textual transcendence, which has also been quite influential, is composed of Introduction à l'architexte (1979), Palimpsests: Literature in the Second Degree (1982), and Paratexts. Thresholds of interpretation (1997).[3]
His international influence is not as great as that of some others identified with structuralism, such as Roland Barthes and Claude Lévi-Strauss; his work is more often included in selections or discussed in secondary works than studied in its own right. Terms and techniques originating in his vocabulary and systems have, however, become widespread, such as the term paratext for prefaces, introductions, illustrations or other material accompanying the text, or hypotext for the sources of the text.

Reviews

[Alok Mishra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very sensibly written book by Gerard. I found it intellectual as well as comprehensible at the same time - a quality that has become rarer among the writers of this repute.

[erin donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First part, only.