Electronic Literature

In “Electronic Literature” and “Electronic Literature: What is it?” both Rettberg and Hayles believe that electronic literature is its own form of media and share many viewpoints on the structure, mechanics, and definitions of electronic literature. I found it interesting that Rettberg decided to publish his work in a physical book since he discusses the many advantages of electronic literature, but Rettberg explains his reasoning. He claims that “[electronic literature’s] publication does not imply fixity in the same way [as printed text]” (Rettberg, 7). Although it may have been more interactive for Rettberg to publish his work in an electronic medium, his choice to print gives his ideas and his research a permanence that wouldn’t be possible in an online publication. Rettberg and Hayles both concur that electronic literature is a constantly evolving forum that both shapes and is shaped by human experience. It is this “mutual symbiosis” that breathes life into electronic literature and gives works published online endless possibilities (Rettberg, 12). I believe that the universal nature of electronic literature and its ability to be so easily edited, shared, and improved upon is what makes it a key element in education.

One reference I found particularly interesting came from Rettberg’s book. Rettberg quotes Jacques Derrida, an Algerian-French philosopher who published an idea in 1980 about “the law of genre.” Derrida claims that “As soon as the word ‘genre’ is sounded, as soon as it is heard, as soon as one attempts to conceive it, a limit is drawn. And when a limit is established, norms and interdictions are not far behind” (Rettberg, 9). Like a law of science, Derrida argues in his article “The Law of Genre” that genres are restrictive, black and white, and unmoving. Rettberg argues that electronic literature is not bound by genre but is instead a complex, hybrid entity of many different identities. I would agree with this claim, especially since electronic literature is constantly changing and adapting. Derrida passed away in 2004 at the age of 74. I wonder what he would say about electronic literature in the modern age and what kind of limitations, and freedoms, it yields in relation to genre.

Lily Pudlo

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