1.2 Historical Development of Comparative Literature

Comparative literature emerged in 19th-century Europe, evolving from binary comparisons to global, interdisciplinary studies. It expanded beyond literature to include various art forms and cultural expressions, shifting from Eurocentrism to diverse global perspectives.

Key figures like Goethe, Wellek, and Auerbach shaped the field's foundations. Historical events, intellectual movements, and debates on methodology and relevance have continually reshaped comparative literature's scope and approaches.

Origins and Early Development

Origins of comparative literature

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  Devolutionary Empire: A Review of James Kennedy’s Liberal Nationalisms: Empire, State, and Civil ... View original

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  G. Mick Smith, PhD: Chapter 22 Nationalism Triumphs in Europe (1800-194) View original

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• 19th-century European roots emerged in response to nationalism and literary studies initially focused on European literatures (French, German, English)
• Evolution of comparative approaches moved from binary comparisons to multilateral studies incorporating non-Western literatures (Chinese, Arabic)
• Expansion beyond literature included other art forms and cultural expressions (film, visual arts) forged interdisciplinary connections with fields like anthropology and sociology
• Globalization of comparative literature shifted from Eurocentrism to global perspectives integrated postcolonial and transnational studies

Key figures in comparative literature

• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe developed concept of Weltliteratur (world literature) emphasized cross-cultural literary exchange
• Hugo Meltzl de Lomnitz founded first comparative literature journal (Acta Comparationis Litterarum Universarum) advocated for polyglot approach to literary studies
• René Wellek established theoretical foundations of comparative literature critiqued French school's influence studies
• Hutcheson Macaulay Posnett coined term "comparative literature" in 1886
• Charles Mills Gayley established first comparative literature program in US at UC Berkeley in 1891
• Erich Auerbach authored "Mimesis" expanded scope of comparison to include diverse literary traditions

Historical Context and Intellectual Movements

Historical influences on comparative literature

• World Wars and political upheavals displaced European scholars to the United States shifted academic centers of comparative literature (Harvard, Yale)
• Postcolonialism and decolonization included non-Western voices and perspectives critiqued Eurocentric literary canons (Edward Said, Gayatri Spivak)
• Structuralism and post-structuralism introduced new approaches to textual analysis and interpretation influenced comparative methodologies (Roland Barthes, Jacques Derrida)
• Globalization and technological advancements increased access to diverse literatures fostered digital humanities and new comparative methods (distant reading, big data analysis)

Debates in comparative literature

• Influence studies initially focused on tracing literary influences across national boundaries later critiqued as limiting and Eurocentric
• Crisis of comparative literature sparked debates on discipline's relevance and methodology faced challenges from area studies and cultural studies
• Rise of world literature renewed interest in Goethe's Weltliteratur concept debated translation, circulation, and reception of texts (David Damrosch, Franco Moretti)
• Theoretical shifts moved from positivist approaches to critical theory incorporated feminist, queer, and postcolonial perspectives (Judith Butler, Homi Bhabha)
• Disciplinary boundaries created tensions between national and comparative literary studies grappled with interdisciplinary nature and its challenges