Rewriting rewriting

More about the book

In the twentieth century, storytelling underwent significant transformation, with rewriting becoming a central focus. This era is marked by a tendency to quote, reenact, and revise earlier texts. The unique approach to literary reiteration is evident in the works of Marguerite Duras, Annie Ernaux, and Marie Redonnet, who systematically rewrite their own narratives. This practice highlights key aspects of twentieth-century French literature: the representation of complex identities, a reevaluation of literary paradigms, and a critical awareness of language's unreliability. The book argues that the rewriting by these authors transcends typical textual revisions, aiming to renovate the literary landscape they inhabit. Cathy Jellenik posits that all writing inherently involves rewriting, drawing on the theories of Saussure, Bakhtin, Benveniste, Barthes, Kristeva, and Derrida. She explores how Duras, Ernaux, and Redonnet leverage rewriting to challenge and reinterpret the literary traditions they engage with. Jellenik contends that their rewriting endeavors hold the potential to foster a new literary aesthetic, one that addresses contemporary questions and resonates with modern readers.