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.