modernliterarytheories

[modernliterarytheories]

Coherence in contradiction expresses the force of a desire.

Jacques Derrida, Structure, Sign and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences

[modernliterarytheories]

Jean-Francois Lyotard - Realism

"But capitalism inherently possesses the power to derealize familiar objects, social roles, and institutions to such a degree that the so-called realistic representations can no longer evoke reality except as nostalgia or mockery, as an occasion for suffering rather than for satisfaction. Classicism seems to be ruled out in a world in which reality is so destabilized that it offers no occasion for experience but one for ratings and experimentation."

From 'Answering the Question: What is Postmodernism?' in The Postmodern Condition, R. Durand tr., (1986), pp. 71-82. Contained in Modern Literary Theory edited by Philip Rice and Patricia Waugh

I found this quote particularly interesting (in fact it was the first that made me reach for my highlighter) not only because of the commentary on the derealization of representations to the point that only the ironic is left, but that nostalgia is one of the remaining two options under realism. In a world where we seem to be increasingly reliant on nostalgia--via reboots, sequels, prequels, re-emerging fashion trends, reactionary political views, and a turn or, in some cases, return to esoteric theories and ideas in already niche communities--it seems to drive late-stage capitalism in such a singly-powerful-yet-consistently-denounced way as to emphasize the position of postmodernism as a theory often used to decry this realism without being aware of its influence.