Operationalizing means building a bridge from concepts to measurement, and then to the
world. In our case: from the concepts of literary theory, through some form of
quantification, to literary texts.
Taking a concept, and transforming it into a series of operations.
"Operationalizing" refers to the process of making abstract concepts or ideas measurable and quantifiable.
In the context of modern literary theory, it involves using specific measurements and methods to study and
analyze literary texts.
Operationalizing allows researchers to move beyond subjective interpretations and opinions. By applying
measurable criteria, such as word counts, narrative structures, or linguistic patterns, scholars can gather
objective data and draw meaningful conclusions about the texts they are studying.
In simpler terms, operationalizing helps literary theorists turn vague and subjective ideas into something
concrete and measurable. This enables them to study literature in a more systematic and scientific way,
using data and evidence to support their analyses.
Character-space refers to the amount of narrative attention or focus given to a particular character within
the overall structure of a story. The more often a character's name appears, the more narrative space is
assumed to be allocated to that character.
Graham Sack relies on the frequency of character names mentioned in the text as a proxy for character-
space.
Moretti took a different approach, which assumed that character-space could actually be measured
directly. Texts are made of words, lines, pages, and one can definitely measure those.
Where does Mr. Bennet’s “space” end and Mrs. Bennet’s begin, in this sentence? Sack’s proxy would score
one for Mr. Bennet and zero for his wife, and it’s reasonable, in so far as naming a character is always a way
of foregrounding it; on the other hand, a larger portion of the sentence refers to Mrs. Bennet’s perception,
and all that is completely lost. Plays are easier in this respect because words are explicitly assigned to
specific characters.
Network theory for measuring “character-space”
Network theory allows us to measure links between characters in a play. By analyzing the number of words
exchanged and the direction of interactions, we gain valuable insights. SUCH AS
Network analysis of Phèdre's dialogue reveals an interesting finding. While a histogram already showed
that Phèdre speaks more than other characters, the network shows that her word-space is mostly occupied
by her confidante, Oenone, rather than her husband or lover. This is significant for neo-classical poetics as it
challenges the traditional emphasis on central character relationships.
For instance, what defines a Gothic novel? Yes, ghosts and castles, but that’s not all. Through
operationalizing it was found out that certain verb tenses and prepositions also make up or distinguish a
Gothic novel.
