Literature as a world (Persian Edition)

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. World Literary Space:
   • Global System: Casanova argues that literature operates within a global system, where texts and authors are influenced by international power dynamics. The “world literary space” is a transnational field where literary works are judged, valued, and circulated beyond their countries of origin.
   • Centers and Peripheries: The literary world is divided into centers (dominant literary capitals like Paris, London, and New York) and peripheries (marginalized regions with less literary influence). Writers from peripheral regions often struggle for recognition within the central literary markets.
2. Literary Capital:
   • Symbolic Capital: Casanova introduces the concept of “literary capital,” which refers to the symbolic value and prestige accumulated by authors and literary works. Literary capital is distributed unevenly across the world, with certain languages, genres, and styles gaining more recognition.
   • Cultural Authority: Dominant literary centers possess cultural authority, shaping literary tastes and standards. Authors from less powerful regions must often conform to the expectations and preferences of these centers to gain international recognition.
3. Struggle for Recognition:
   • Peripheral Writers: Writers from peripheral regions face a struggle for literary recognition. They must navigate the cultural hegemony of dominant centers and often adopt strategies to make their voices heard, such as translation, aligning with literary trends, or appealing to universal themes.
   • Subversion and Innovation: Despite the dominance of central literary powers, peripheral writers can innovate and subvert literary norms, contributing to the evolution of world literature. Their unique perspectives and experiences enrich the global literary landscape.
4. Role of Translation:
   • Gatekeeping Function: Translation plays a crucial role in the world literary space, acting as a gatekeeper for literary works to enter international markets. The decision of what gets translated and by whom can significantly influence an author’s global visibility and success.
   • Cultural Exchange: Through translation, literature facilitates cultural exchange and dialogue. However, the asymmetry in translation practices often favors dominant languages and literatures, perpetuating inequalities.
5. Historical Context:
   • Colonial Legacy: Casanova examines the impact of colonial history on world literature. Colonial powers imposed their languages and literary standards on colonized regions, creating lasting effects on literary production and reception.
   • Postcolonial Perspectives: Postcolonial writers challenge and reconfigure the literary norms imposed by colonial powers, seeking to assert their cultural identities and histories within the global literary space.
6. Autonomy of Literature:
   • Relative Autonomy: Casanova asserts that literature has a degree of autonomy from political and economic forces. While influenced by external factors, literature also possesses its own internal dynamics and criteria for value and recognition.
   • Literary Autonomy as Resistance: The autonomy of literature allows writers to resist and critique dominant power structures, providing a space for alternative voices and dissenting perspectives.

Writing Style: Pascale Casanova’s writing in “Literature as a World” is scholarly and analytical, drawing on extensive research and theoretical frameworks. The book is rich in historical and cultural references, making it a dense but rewarding read for those interested in literary theory, global studies, and cultural criticism.

Conclusion: “Literature as a World” by Pascale Casanova offers a profound and intricate analysis of the global dynamics of literature. By conceptualizing literature as part of a world system, Casanova challenges the traditional, nation-centric views of literary studies. Her exploration of the uneven distribution of literary capital, the struggle for recognition by peripheral writers, and the crucial role of translation provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between literature, culture, and power on a global scale. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the global forces shaping literature and the ways in which literary works navigate and contribute to the world literary space.