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FOUR GENEALOGIES OF 'WORLD LITERATURE'" BY JÉRÔME DAVID

Based on the paper "The Four Genealogies of 'World Literature'" by Jérôme David, the genealogies of "world
literature" discussed are:

1) The critical genealogy

It refers to a perspective on world literature that challenges the idea of national literature and
emphasizes a universal human condition. It sees world literature as a way to encounter cultural diversity and
reveal the mechanisms of capitalist globalization.
This perspective, influenced by scholars like David Damrosch and Franco Moretti which
focuses on the aspirations of literature to express timeless beauty and engage with global issues.
Damrosch explores the idea of "world literature" as a way to engage with cultural alterity and
promote tolerance and understanding. Moretti, on the other hand, focuses on mapping the symbolic
power struggles of our modernity through the study of literary inequalities across different regions of
the world.
The Critical Genealogy also encompasses the distinction between political critique and moral
critique. The political critique aims to denounce the mechanisms of domination, while the moral
critique challenges the prejudices and biases of readers and commentators of literary works.
2) The philological genealogy
It is focuses on the practice of translation and the diversity of languages. It emphasizes the
importance of preserving the original language in interpreting literary works and recognizes that meaning can
be found not only in texts but also in other traces of human activity. This genealogy, influenced by scholars
like Auerbach and Posnett, seeks to understand the different forms of life and cultural contexts in which
literary works are created and interpreted.
The Philological Genealogy highlights the significance of language and textual analysis in the study of
world literature. It recognizes that the meaning of a text is not only found in its words but also in its spirit,
and it emphasizes the importance of respecting the authentic meaning of texts.
Auerbach, in his work "Philologie der Weltliteratur," calls for "world philologists" to remind their
contemporaries of the diversity and historical depth of their linguistic and cultural roots. This genealogy sees
"world literature" as a field of study that requires a deep understanding of different languages and cultures,
and it emphasizes the role of philology in uncovering the richness and complexity of literary works.
3) The Pedagogical Genealogy
This genealogy focuses on how literature is taught and learned in the classroom. It traces its origins
back to Goethe, who conceived of "world literature" as a conversation between living writers and a way to
educate and develop literary cultures. This genealogy emphasizes making literature accessible and engaging
for students and recognizes the role of education in shaping students' appreciation and understanding of
literature.
This perspective sees world literature as a means of creating taste and transmitting values to
students. It emphasizes the importance of making literature accessible and engaging for students, combining
aesthetic pleasure with the transmission of certain values.
An example of this approach is seen in "The Norton Anthology of World Masterpieces," which aims to
introduce students to a wide range of literary works from different cultures and time periods. So, the
pedagogical genealogy highlights the role of education in understanding and appreciating world literature.
This anthology seeks to provide a comprehensive and diverse selection of texts that can be used as
educational tools to broaden students' understanding of world literature.
The pedagogical genealogy also recognizes the role of education in shaping students' appreciation
and understanding of literature. It highlights the importance of teaching literature in a way that encourages

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 critical thinking, cultural awareness, and empathy towards different perspectives. So by engaging with world
literature, students can develop a broader worldview and gain insights into different cultures and societies.
4) The Methodological Genealogy
This genealogy focuses on the methods and approaches used in studying and interpreting world
literature. It recognizes the different scholarly traditions, theories, and methodologies that have shaped the
study of world literature. This genealogy emphasizes critically examining the methods used in approaching
and analyzing literary texts from different cultures and languages. It also considers the role of translation in
the study of world literature.
Scholars like Auerbach, Spivak, and Moretti have contributed to the methodological
genealogy. Auerbach's reappropriation of the philological genealogy emphasized the importance of
understanding the authentic meaning of texts and the linguistic experience in interpreting literary
works. Spivak's notion of "planetarity" reinterprets the Kantian idea of a regulative idea in light of
late Derrida, emphasizing the interconnectedness of global literary production. Meanwhile Moretti's
concept of "distant reading" challenges traditional close reading methods and focuses on analyzing
large-scale patterns and structures in literature.
The Methodological Genealogy also considers the role of translation in the study of world
literature. It recognizes that translation is not a neutral process and that it can shape the interpretation
and reception of literary works.
These four genealogies provide different perspectives and approaches to the study of "world literature" and highlight
the importance of critique, philology, pedagogy, and methodology in understanding and interpreting literary works
from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds

2. SINGULARITY, THE UNIVERSALIZABLE, AND THE IMPLIED WRITER

Singularity, the universalizable, and the implied writer are interconnected concepts that help us understand the
relationship between writing and literature.

Singularity refers to the unique and distinct qualities or characteristics of something. In the context of literature,
singularity refers to the individuality and uniqueness of a literary work or writer. It emphasizes the specific and
particular aspects that set them apart from others.

The universalizable, as described by Gayatri Spivak, refers to the potential for something to be made universal, but
not necessarily becoming universally applicable or accepted. It suggests that singularity can be transformed into
something that has broader relevance or significance, but it does not guarantee universal acceptance or
understanding.

The implied writer is a concept introduced in the essay as a means to explore how writing is positioned in relation to
a literary system. It refers to the figure behind the writing, the organizing intelligence that shapes the narrative. The
implied writer is influenced by various factors such as language, genre, cultural context, and the conditions of
publication. It enables meaningful comparisons between different literary worlds and allows for the exploration of
the relationship between singularity and system in literature.

These concepts are interconnected because the implied writer is the one who gives shape to the singularity of a
literary work. The implied writer's choices and perspectives determine how the singularity of the work can be
universalized or made relevant to a broader audience. The implied writer navigates between the unique qualities of
the work and the systemic factors that shape its reception and interpretation.

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 3. DAVID DAMROSCH & GAYATRI SPIVAK

Damrosch and Gayatri Spivak have different perspectives on the relationship between singularity and universality in
literature.

Damrosch believes that works of literature can become part of world literature through factors like circulation,
translation, and transcultural comparison. In easy ways, he thinks that books can become part of world literature if
they circulate widely, get translated, and are compared across different cultures. According to him, these things (like
circulation and translation) make it possible for unique books to be recognized and liked all around the world.

On the other hand, Spivak suggests that singularity can be made more widely applicable, but it does not guarantee
universal acceptance or understanding, and it doesn't mean everyone will accept or understand it. She argues that
while something unique and distinct can be transformed to have broader relevance, it does not erase the specific
context or individuality of the work or writer.

In simpler terms, Damrosch sees universalization as a means for works to enter world literature, while Spivak
emphasizes the complexities and limitations of universalization. Damrosch focuses on the enabling factors that allow
works to become part of world literature, while Spivak acknowledges the potential for broader resonance while
recognizing the specific context and individuality of the work or writer.

Overall, their perspectives highlight the tension between the singularity of a work or writer and its potential for
universalization. Damrosch sees universalization as a way for works to gain globally recognition, while Spivak
emphasizes the complexities and limitations of universalization while acknowledging the unique qualities of the work
or writer.

4. THE VULNERABILITY OF WRITING

The vulnerability of writing refers to the fragility and uncertainty that comes with the act of writing. It means that
when someone writes something, there is no guarantee that it will be successful or well-received. Writing is a
vulnerable process because it is subjective and can be influenced by various factors such as social hierarchies, cultural
norms, and historical contexts.

For example, Fernando Pessoa, a Portuguese writer, in his work "Livro do desassossego" (Book of Disquiet), reflects
on the purpose of writing and the role of publication. In his work Fernando questioned the importance of whether or
not anyone reads his writing. He wrote to forget about life and published because it was expected, but he was unsure
if his work would be recognized or appreciated. This uncertainty and vulnerability are common for many
writers.Pessoa's perspective highlights the tension between personal expression and the system of publication and
reception. His writings also demonstrate the complex relationship between his acts of writing and the global literary
system.

J.M. Coetzee, an Australian-South African writer, in his novel "Summertime," also explores the vulnerability of
writing. He emphasizes the materiality of literature, highlighting the importance of the physical book as a means for
readers to access and engage with the text. Coetzee's perspective shows that writing is vulnerable because it relies
on the physical manifestation of the book, which can be subject to various external factors. In another word,
Coetzee's perspective draws attention to the materiality of literature and the role of the book as a medium for
communication and interpretation. His works also address political and social issues, using literature as a means of
resistance.

The vulnerability of writing means that writers face challenges and uncertainties in expressing themselves and
connecting with readers. It is a reminder that writing is not a guaranteed path to success or recognition. However, it
is also this vulnerability that allows for the possibility of creativity, exploration, and the sharing of unique
perspectives.
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 5. NIETZSCHE'S CONCEPT OF GENEALOGY AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO
HISTORY
Nietzsche's concept of genealogy is a way of examining the history of morals, ideals, and concepts by looking at their
origins and development. It is a meticulous and patient approach that looks at the tangled and confusing documents
of history to understand how ideas and desires have changed over time. Genealogy aims to record the history of
these concepts as events in a historical process, rather than judging them based on our present understanding.

The relationship between genealogy and history is complex. Genealogy returns to the three modalities of history that
Nietzsche recognized, but with a different perspective. It dismantles the traditional approach to history and uses it for
anti-Platonic purposes. Genealogy is not concerned with tracing the gradual evolution of instincts, but rather isolating
different scenes where they played different roles. It requires patience and a knowledge of the countless beginnings
and events that shaped these concepts.

In summary, genealogy is a method of examining the origins and development of morals, ideals, and concepts. It
looks at history as a series of interpretations and aims to record the history of these concepts as events in a historical
process. It challenges traditional approaches to history and seeks to understand the complex and diverse factors that
shape our understanding of these concepts.

6. WHAT DOES NIETZSCHE MEAN BY THE TERM "ORIGIN" AND HOW DOES
IT CHALLENGE THE PURSUIT OF A PURE ESSENCE?
When Nietzsche talks about the "origin," he's interested in where things come from, like ideas or values. He doesn't
just want to know the starting point; he wants to understand the messy and complex history behind things. Nietzsche
uses the term "origin" to refer to the beginning or source of something, like morals or religion. However, he
challenges the idea that there is a pure essence or truth to be found in these origins.

Some people like to think there's a pure and perfect essence or core to everything, like the true and unchanging
nature of an idea or value. Nietzsche challenges this idea. He says there's no pure essence; things are shaped by a lot
of factors, and their history is crucial.

Nietzsche argues that the pursuit of a pure essence or truth is misguided because origins are not perfect or divine.
Instead, they are often humble and ironic, and they can even be associated with loss and confusion. He believes that
history and the development of ideas are messy and complex, and trying to find a single, pure essence in their origins
is a futile endeavor.

In other words, Nietzsche is saying that we should not expect to find a perfect and unchanging truth in the origins of
things. Instead, we should recognize that ideas and concepts evolve and change over time, and their origins are just
one part of their complex history.

Overall, Nietzsche challenges the pursuit of a pure essence by emphasizing the complexity and diversity of origins,
and by urging us to look beyond them to understand the full history and development of ideas.

7. HOW DOES AUERBACH DEFINE THE CONCEPT OF WELTLITERATUR AND

ITS CONNECTION TO PHILOLOGY.
Weltliteratur refers to the concept of a universal literature that transcends national boundaries and encompasses the
literary works of different cultures and languages. It is the idea that literature is a global phenomenon that can be
appreciated and studied by people from various backgrounds.

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According to Auerbach, Weltliteratur is defined as "the totality of all literary works that have become part of the
world's cultural heritage" [1]. It is a term that recognizes the interconnectedness and shared themes among different
literary traditions, highlighting the universal human experiences and ideas that are expressed in literature.

Weltliteratur is not limited to a specific time period or geographic region. It includes both classic and contemporary
works from various cultures and languages. It emphasizes the importance of studying and appreciating literature
from different parts of the world, recognizing the richness and diversity of human expression.

So, Auerbach defines Weltliteratur as a universal literature that goes beyond national boundaries and includes
literary works from different cultures and languages. It is the idea that literature is a global phenomenon that can be
appreciated and studied by people from various backgrounds.

While, According to Auerbach, philology is closely connected to Weltliteratur. Philology is the study of language and
literature, and it plays a crucial role in understanding and appreciating Weltliteratur. By studying texts in their original
languages, philology allows us to delve into the cultural and historical contexts in which these texts were created.

Philology provides us with the tools to compare and analyze different literary traditions. It helps us recognize the
interconnectedness and shared themes among various cultures and languages. Through philology, we can gain a
deeper understanding of the universal human experiences and ideas that are expressed in literature.

In summary, Auerbach argues that philology is essential in understanding and studying Weltliteratur, as it enables us
to explore the diverse literary traditions of the world and recognize their commonalities and significance.

8. HOW DOES AUERBACH DISCUSS THE IMPACT OF TRANSLATION ON THE ACCESSIBILITY OF WORLD
LITERATURE?

Auerbach discusses the impact of translation on the accessibility of world literature by highlighting its crucial role in
making literary works from different cultures and languages available to a wider audience. Translation allows readers
who do not understand the original language of a text to access and appreciate it in their own language.

Auerbach argues that translation is not a simple process of transferring words from one language to another, but
rather a complex task that involves capturing the essence and meaning of the original work. Translators must
navigate the linguistic and cultural differences between languages to convey the author's intentions and the nuances
of the text.

Through translation, literary works can be shared and understood across borders, enabling readers to engage with
diverse perspectives and experiences. It allows for the dissemination of ideas and the exploration of different literary
traditions, contributing to the development of a global literary consciousness.

However, Auerbach also acknowledges that translation is not without its limitations. The process of translation
inevitably involves interpretation and the potential loss of certain linguistic and cultural elements. Despite these
challenges, Auerbach emphasizes the importance of translation in facilitating the exchange and appreciation of world
literature.

In summary, Auerbach recognizes the significant role of translation in making world literature accessible to a wider
audience. It enables readers to engage with literary works from different cultures and languages, fostering cross-
cultural understanding and the exploration of diverse perspectives.

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1. How does genealogy differ from the traditional linear development perspective in understanding history?

2. What does Nietzsche mean by the term "origin" and how does it challenge the pursuit of a pure essence?

3. How does the pursuit of truth relate to the ancient proliferation of errors according to the passage?

In this article, Auerbach explores the concept of Weltliteratur and its connection to philology. He emphasizes the
importance of philology in comprehending and valuing world literature. Additionally, Auerbach discusses the role of
translation in making world literature more accessible.

Example questions:

1. How does Auerbach define Weltliteratur and what is its significance in the study of literature?

2. What is the role of philology in understanding and appreciating world literature, according to Auerbach?

3. How does Auerbach discuss the impact of translation on the accessibility of world literature?