Литерарност је појам који се користи у области књижевности и културе и обично се односи на

својства, карактеристике и вредности текстова или дела која их издвајају као литерарне.
Литерарност означава да је неки текст или дело написано са нагласком на уметничким или
естетичким аспектима, као и са дубљим значењем које захтева од читаоца да размишља и тумачи.

Карактеристике литерарности могу укључивати употребу литерарних облика (како у стиховима,

тако и у прози), стилске фигуре, метафоре, алегорије, дубоку размишљеност о језику и словима,
комплексне карактере и психолошке анализе персонажа, тематске дубине и сл.

У основи, литерарност се односи на способност текста или дела да изрази истинске или дубоке
идеје, емоције и искуства на начин који надилази обичан и информативан начин писања. Такви
текстови или дела обично захтевају активну улогу читаоца у размишљању и тумачењу и могу
изазвати различите реакције и интерпретације.

Роланд Барт (Роланд Барт): "Речи нису ствари, већ су догађаји."

Ноам Чомски (Noam Chomsky): "Литература је способност изражавања и интерпретације

стварности."

Умберто Еко (Umberto Eco): "Литература је озбиљан посао са великим опасностима."

Владимир Набоков (Vladimir Nabokov): "Литература и језик су како били су птице пре него што су
претече динозаври."

Џордж Стайнер (George Steiner): "Литература је посао обликовања душе."

Роберто Болано (Roberto Bolaño): "Једина задовољство овог света је литература."

Јорге Луис Борхес (Jorge Luis Borges): "Књижевност није ништа више него савршена варијација на
једну единствену тему - тему времена."
Маршал Меклуан (Marshall McLuhan): "Литература је екстензија човекове судбине."

Стивен Кинг (Stephen King): "Литература је како били су трамплини, трамплини који нас подизању
над животним архетиповима."

The essence of "literariness" refers to the core qualities and characteristics that distinguish a text or work
of literature from other forms of writing. These qualities often include artistic and aesthetic elements, a
heightened use of language, and the presence of deeper meanings or layers of interpretation. Here are
some key aspects that contribute to the essence of literariness:

Artistic Expression: Literature is often characterized by its artistic expression. Writers use language not
only to convey information but also to create a particular mood, atmosphere, or emotional impact.
Literary texts frequently employ literary devices, such as metaphor, symbolism, and irony, to enhance
their artistic value.

Aesthetic Sensibility: Literary works often exhibit an aesthetic sensibility, emphasizing the beauty and
power of language. This can manifest in well-crafted sentences, vivid descriptions, and a careful choice of
words and phrases to evoke sensory and emotional experiences.

Complexity and Depth: Literature often invites readers to delve deeper into the text, exploring complex
themes, character development, and intricate plots. It encourages critical thinking and interpretation,
offering multiple layers of meaning that may not be immediately apparent.

Narrative Voice: The narrative voice in literature can be highly distinctive, reflecting the unique
perspective and style of the author. This voice contributes to the individuality and artistry of the work.

Exploration of Human Experience: Literature frequently explores various aspects of the human
experience, including emotions, relationships, moral dilemmas, and societal issues. It can provide
insights into the complexities of life and human nature.
Universal Themes: Many literary works touch upon universal themes and truths that resonate with
readers across different cultures and time periods. These themes often address fundamental questions
about existence, identity, and the human condition.

Open to Interpretation: Literary texts often leave room for interpretation, allowing readers to engage
actively with the material and derive their own meanings and insights. This open-ended quality can
make literature a rich source of discussion and analysis.

Literary Tradition: Works of literature are often situated within a literary tradition, drawing on the
conventions and innovations of previous authors and movements. This connection to the broader history
of literature can add depth to the text.

In essence, literariness encompasses the artistry, depth, and unique qualities that elevate a text or work
of literature beyond mere communication of facts or information. It engages the reader on multiple
levels, offering intellectual, emotional, and aesthetic experiences that contribute to its enduring
significance.

Famous writers and literary figures have expressed their thoughts and ideas about literariness and the
essence of literature in various ways. Here are some quotes from renowned authors on this topic:

Leo Tolstoy: "All great literature is one of two stories; a man goes on a journey or a stranger comes to
town."

F. Scott Fitzgerald: "You don't write because you want to say something; you write because you've got
something to say."

George Orwell: "Good prose is like a windowpane."

Virginia Woolf: "Fiction is like a spider's web, attached ever so slightly perhaps, but still attached to life at
all four corners."

Albert Camus: "Fiction is the lie through which we tell the truth."
Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures."

Anais Nin: "We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect."

Maya Angelou: "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you."

Ernest Hemingway: "There is no friend as loyal as a book."

Harper Lee: "Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing."

John Steinbeck: "A great lasting story is about everyone or it will not last."

Toni Morrison: "If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must
write it."

Modern science and literary studies often take an interdisciplinary approach when examining
literariness. Literary scholars, linguists, psychologists, and neuroscientists have all contributed to our
understanding of how literature affects the human brain and cognitive processes. Here are some ways in
which modern science thinks about literariness:

Cognitive Science and Literary Theory: Cognitive science explores how humans process and understand
language and narrative. Researchers have used cognitive theories to analyze how readers engage with
literary texts, how they make sense of complex narratives, and how they empathize with fictional
characters.

Neuroscience of Reading: Neuroscientists have conducted studies using brain imaging techniques such
as fMRI to investigate how reading literary fiction impacts the brain. Some studies suggest that reading
literary texts can stimulate areas of the brain associated with empathy and theory of mind, enhancing
our ability to understand and relate to others.

Psychology of Literary Experience: Psychologists have examined the emotional and psychological effects
of reading literature. They have explored how literature can elicit various emotional responses, influence
mood, and provide a form of escapism or catharsis for readers.

Linguistic Analysis: Linguists often analyze the stylistic and linguistic features of literary texts. They
examine elements like narrative structure, figurative language, and authorial voice to understand how
these elements contribute to the literariness of a work.

Digital Humanities: Modern technology and computational methods have allowed researchers to
conduct large-scale analyses of literary texts. Digital humanities projects use computer algorithms to
analyze patterns in literary works, revealing insights into authorship, genre, and literary trends.

Interdisciplinary Approaches: Many scholars take an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from
various fields to gain a more comprehensive understanding of literariness. For example, they may
combine literary theory with psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience to explore the cognitive and
emotional dimensions of reading.

Overall, modern science recognizes that literariness involves not only the artistic and cultural aspects of
literature but also its cognitive and emotional impact on readers. This interdisciplinary approach helps
shed light on the complex interplay between literature, the human mind, and society, providing a richer
understanding of the essence and significance of literary works in contemporary contexts.

Defamiliarization (Ostranenie): Russian Formalists believed that literature should make the familiar
appear unfamiliar or "strange" to readers. This concept, known as "defamiliarization" or "ostranenie,"
encouraged writers to present ordinary things in a fresh and unusual way, challenging conventional
perceptions and inviting readers to see the world from a new perspective.

Literariness: Russian Formalists were interested in what makes a text "literary." They argued that
literature is distinct from everyday language because it employs specific devices and techniques, such as
rhythm, meter, rhyme, and other formal elements, to create a unique aesthetic experience.
Foregrounding: Formalists introduced the idea of "foregrounding," which involves highlighting certain
elements in a text to draw the reader's attention. This could be achieved through various literary devices,
including metaphors, wordplay, and patterns of repetition. Foregrounding made readers aware of the
artistic qualities of a text.

Plot vs. Story: Russian Formalists made a distinction between "plot" and "story." "Plot" referred to the
arrangement of events in a narrative, while "story" was the chronological sequence of events. They
argued that the structure and organization of the plot were essential to understanding a literary work.

Literary Devices and Devices of Art: Russian Formalists analyzed specific literary devices and techniques,
such as narrative perspective (point of view), imagery, and stylistic choices. They believed that these
devices contributed to the overall literariness of a text.

Autonomy of the Literary Text: Russian Formalists emphasized the autonomy of the literary text. They
argued that a literary work should be studied as an independent and self-contained entity, rather than as
a reflection of the author's intentions or a representation of external reality.

Objective Analysis: Formalist critics aimed for objective and scientific analysis of literature. They sought
to develop systematic methods for studying literature, which would allow for comparisons and
generalizations across different texts.

It's important to note that Russian Formalism had a significant influence on literary theory and criticism,
not only in Russia but also internationally. While the movement declined in the face of political and
ideological pressures in the Soviet Union, its legacy continued to shape the study of literature in the 20th
and 21st centuries, particularly in the fields of structuralism and narratology.

he Russian Formalists had a distinctive view on literariness, which centered on the idea that literature
possesses unique formal properties and devices that distinguish it from everyday language. They
believed that these formal aspects were crucial to the essence of literary art. Here are some key points
that expand on their view of literariness:

Formal Elements as the Essence: Russian Formalists argued that literariness lies in the specific formal
elements and techniques used in literary texts. These elements include rhythm, rhyme, imagery,
metaphors, wordplay, narrative structure, and other linguistic and stylistic features. They believed that
these features were what made a text "literary."

Defamiliarization: One of the central concepts in the Russian Formalist view of literariness is
"defamiliarization" (ostranenie). They believed that literature's primary function was to defamiliarize the
familiar. In other words, literature should present ordinary objects, events, and experiences in a way that
makes them appear strange and unfamiliar to readers. This process of defamiliarization encourages
readers to see the world from a fresh perspective and engages them intellectually and emotionally.

Foregrounding of Language: Russian Formalists argued that literary texts "foregrounded" language itself.
This means that the text draws attention to its own linguistic and stylistic qualities, making readers aware
of the language's artistic and aesthetic potential. In literature, language becomes more than a means of
conveying information; it becomes an object of artistic exploration.

Literary Devices and Devices of Art: Russian Formalists closely examined the use of literary devices and
devices of art in literature. They believed that elements such as metaphor, symbolism, irony, and
repetition were essential to creating literariness. These devices contributed to the text's unique and
artistic qualities.

Autonomy of the Literary Work: Russian Formalists stressed the autonomy of the literary work. They
believed that a literary text should be analyzed as an independent entity with its own internal structure
and logic. The meaning of a literary work is derived from its formal organization rather than from the
author's intentions or the text's relationship to external reality.

Objective Analysis: Russian Formalists aimed for an objective and systematic analysis of literature. They
developed methods for studying literary texts that focused on their formal features, allowing for rigorous
comparisons and generalizations across different works.

Rejection of Mimetic Functions: Russian Formalists challenged the traditional notion that literature
should primarily imitate or represent reality. Instead, they argued that literature's primary function was
to create a unique and self-contained artistic experience through the manipulation of language and
form.
Overall, the Russian Formalists' view of literariness emphasized the importance of formal elements,
defamiliarization, and the self-contained aesthetic qualities of literary texts. Their approach to literary
analysis has had a lasting impact on literary theory and criticism, influencing subsequent movements
such as structuralism and poststructuralism.

Certainly, here are some examples of literary devices and elements that contribute to literariness in
texts:

Metaphor: "Her smile was a ray of sunshine, warming everyone's hearts."

Simile: "His voice was like thunder, booming across the room."

Imagery: "The forest was a dark, tangled maze of trees, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers."

Alliteration: "Sally sold seashells by the seashore."

Onomatopoeia: "The bees buzzed in the blooming meadow."

Symbolism: In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," the farm animals represent different social classes and
political ideologies.

Irony: "Water, water, everywhere, nor any drop to drink." - From Samuel Taylor Coleridge's "The Rime of
the Ancient Mariner."

Repetition: "Nevermore." - From Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven."

Personification: "The wind whispered through the trees, sharing its secrets."
Parallelism: "He came, he saw, he conquered."

Anaphora: "I have a dream that one day... I have a dream that one day..."

Epiphany: In James Joyce's "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man," the protagonist Stephen Dedalus
experiences a moment of profound self-realization.

Foreshadowing: "Little did she know that her life was about to change forever."

Enjambment: In poetry, enjambment occurs when a sentence or phrase continues beyond the end of
one line and into the next, creating a sense of flow and connection.

Allegory: In "The Lord of the Flies" by William Golding, the island and its characters symbolize broader
themes of human nature and society.

These examples illustrate how various literary devices, techniques, and elements contribute to the
literariness of texts. They add layers of meaning, create vivid imagery, and engage the reader's senses
and emotions, enhancing the overall aesthetic and artistic quality of the writing.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that involves making a direct comparison between two seemingly
unrelated things to highlight a similarity between them. It is a way of describing something by referring
to it as something else, often to create a more vivid or imaginative image in the reader's or listener's
mind. Metaphors are commonly used in literature, poetry, and everyday language to convey complex
ideas or emotions.

Here are some key characteristics of metaphors:

Direct Comparison: Unlike similes, which use words like "like" or "as" to make comparisons, metaphors
directly assert that one thing is another. For example, "The world is a stage" is a metaphor, while "The
world is like a stage" is a simile.
Imagery: Metaphors can create vivid mental images by associating one concept with another. For
instance, "Her laughter was music to my ears" paints a picture of someone's laughter being as delightful
as music.

Figurative Meaning: Metaphors are often used to convey abstract or intangible concepts by likening
them to more concrete or familiar objects or ideas. For example, describing time as "a thief" suggests
the idea that time takes things away, much like a thief steals.

Expressive and Poetic: Metaphors are a common literary device used to add depth, emotion, and
creativity to writing. Poets and authors use them to evoke feelings and create memorable descriptions.

Extended Metaphor: Sometimes, a metaphor is extended over several sentences or throughout an entire
work, creating a thematic link between various elements. This is known as an extended metaphor.

Here are a few examples of metaphors:

"Time is money."

In this metaphor, time is likened to money to convey the idea that time, like money, should be used
wisely and efficiently.

"His words were a soothing balm for her wounded heart."

This metaphor suggests that the person's words provided comfort and relief, much like a soothing balm
would to a physical wound.

"The world is a canvas, and we are the painters of our destiny."

This metaphor compares life to a canvas and individuals to painters, emphasizing the idea that we have
the power to shape our own lives.
"The classroom was a zoo today."

In this metaphor, the chaotic and unruly behavior in the classroom is likened to the behavior of animals
in a zoo, emphasizing the lack of order and discipline.

Metaphors are powerful tools for adding depth and richness to language and can make writing more
engaging and evocative. They encourage readers to think beyond the literal meaning of words and
explore the connections between ideas and images.

Creating a good metaphor requires creativity, a deep understanding of the concepts you want to
compare, and a sense of how the comparison will resonate with your audience. Here are some steps to
help you craft effective metaphors:

Identify the Key Elements: Begin by identifying the two elements or concepts you want to compare. One
of these elements should be the subject you're trying to describe, and the other should be the object
you're using for comparison.

Understand Both Elements: Have a clear understanding of both the subject and the object of your
metaphor. Understand their characteristics, qualities, and associations. What are their key attributes and
features?

Determine the Purpose: Consider why you want to use a metaphor in your writing. Are you trying to
clarify a complex idea, create a vivid image, evoke a particular emotion, or make a point more
engagingly? Understanding your purpose will help you choose the right metaphor.

Brainstorm Analogies: Think about possible analogies or comparisons between your subject and object.
Look for similarities, contrasts, or relationships that can be expressed metaphorically. Brainstorm a list of
potential comparisons without worrying too much about their quality at this stage.

Use Concrete and Specific Language: Effective metaphors often use concrete and specific language to
create a clear and memorable image. Avoid vague or abstract comparisons that may confuse the reader.
Consider the Audience: Think about your target audience and what metaphors might resonate with
them. Different metaphors may be more effective for different audiences, so tailor your choice to your
readers or listeners.

Test and Refine: Experiment with different metaphors and analogies from your brainstorming list. Try
them out in your writing or conversation and see how they feel. Sometimes, the perfect metaphor will
emerge naturally as you work with the ideas.

Aim for Freshness and Originality: While there are many common metaphors in language ("time is
money," "love is a journey"), crafting a fresh and original metaphor can make your writing stand out.
Avoid clichés unless they serve a specific purpose.

Ensure Relevance and Clarity: Make sure the metaphor is relevant to the context and subject matter. It
should enhance understanding, not confuse or distract your audience.

Revise and Edit: Like any other aspect of writing, metaphors can benefit from revision. Revisit your
metaphors during the editing process, refine them, and make sure they align with the overall tone and
message of your work.

Seek Feedback: If possible, get feedback from others, such as writing peers or editors. They can provide
valuable insights and help you refine your metaphors.

Practice: Creating effective metaphors is a skill that improves with practice. The more you work with
metaphors, the better you'll become at crafting them naturally and effectively.

Remember that a well-crafted metaphor can add depth, vividness, and emotional resonance to your
writing, making it more engaging and memorable for your audience.