Graphs, Maps, Trees

In his article, “Graphs, Maps, Trees,” Frank Moretti describes a new way to look at and analyze literature. He thoroughly describes that by looking at literature based on graphs, we can see how trends throughout history can define our understanding of literature. He looks at novel sales, genre popularities, and gender preferences throughout history and juxtaposes these results in various graphs.

By looking at literature in this way, we are able to see how events in history and cultural trends directly affect the power of literature throughout time. Moretti explains, “The novel has an uncertain relation to politics and social movements” (8). Although he describes this correlation as “uncertain,” there is a definite connection between literature and social events throughout time. This analyzing is able to allows us to understand literature and its purpose based on the social happenings of time.

However, this method of analyzing is also limited. Although it delves into the historical and social context of literature, it ignores the spiritual and intellectual purpose behind novels. It is a very factual and concrete way of looking at motives and purpose of literature. However, it does not look into the specificities of certain novels in order to analyze true meaning.

Another approach similar to Moretti’s is to analyze literature based on looking at the natural state of the earth. Looking back throughout history, a general observation could be made that earlier in time, when the earth was at a more natural state, there was a stronger connection between literature and nature. On the other hand, closer to times like today, literature becomes more distant and takes on a more cynical view towards the natural state of the earth.

For example, in looking at the novel, Super Sad True Love Story, by Gary Shteyngart, a much more cynical view can be seen towards the world and how human interaction takes place within the earth.