“Defining Literature” by Sir Tuna Fish
A examination of opinions and interpretations of literature and electronic literature
By the examination, discovery, exploration, and interpretations of a population's take on literature, text, and electronic literature, we gains insight into how literature is and can be defined. Through a series of interviews, experiments, and discussions, I developed a short documentary that represents a general census of how people see different forms of literature in the present day. After gathering information, speaking with a wide variety of individuals, and I (as well as any viewers of the documentary) have a more comprehensive understanding of literature, generally speaking. My project as a whole informs the viewing community and hopefully inspires them to develop their own ideas and interpretations of text, literature, and electronic literature. When time permits, the documentary will be expanded to include additional interviews and narration; this expansion will bring the new footage to approximately eighteen minutes.
Carly's perspective on "Defining Literature"
Sir Tuna’s e-chapter is relevant to the study of literature because it focuses on personal opinions about text vs. literature and print books vs. digital pieces. The chapter was originally supposed to reference Mallarme’s “A Throw of Dice"; the work of american conceptual artist, Jenny Holzer; billboards; and digital marquees, but developed into the much broader topics of text and literature. What are text and literature? What is the difference between them? From viewing Sir Tuna’s e-chapter, I’ve learned that the general consensus is that literature is more than just text; it is an experience. The music behind the interviews is a really nice touch as well; it makes it easier to tune in and really focus on what the people are saying.
