Call for Papers
Proposed Special Session
MLA 2001 New Orleans
New Perspectives on the Paratext
The paratext, those liminal, seemingly peripheral features such as titles,
epigraphs, prefaces, footnotes, and marginalia which act to frame the
text, is central to narrative theory. Despite its importance, there have
only been relatively few examinations, notably Gerard Genette's Seuils
(translated as Paratexts: Thresholds of Interpretation), Anthony
Grafton's The Footnote: A Curious History, and Derrida's Truth in Painting
and Dissemiantion. Genette, even in his expansive overview, reiterates in
each section that his is only an introduction to the field and much more
study is warranted and required. The paratext has been largely
unexplored, especially in regard to its importance in cultural and
historical work and its presence in other media. Taking Genette
especially as a starting point, this proposed panel attempts to facilitate
this further exploration by bringing together current and exciting work on
the paratext.
Topics may include, but are not limited to:
* The paratext and literary theory (narrative theory, poststructuralism,
cultural studies)
* Paratexts in other media (film, drama, hypertext, music, visual arts)
* Discussions of specific paratextual genres
* Further explorations of the history of the paratext and its context in
the historical and cultural milieu
* The future of paratextual studies
Please send 1-page abstracts and vitae (or queries) by 15 March 2001 to
engedl@showme.missouri.edu or Eric Leuschner; Department of English; 107
Tate Hall; University of MIssouri-Columbia; Columbia, MO 65211.