A Darwinian Theory of Beauty

The Deep Structure of Literary Representations

Joseph Carroll's The Deep Structure of Literary Representations from Evolution and Human Behavior 20 (1999): 159-73.

Gottschall's Archive

Jonathan Gottschall's articles page. He's a prolific voice in the field. And he's willing to challenge the ways in which we study literature.

Wicked Step-Parents and Inclusive Fitness

Kenrick, et al point out that "Familial provision of resources and care will follow the order (a) self > siblings; (b) own offspring > stepchildren"

It seems to me that the subconscious realization of (b) would be a logical explanation of the prevalence of wicked stepmothers and at-risk stepchildren in fairy tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, etc.). It is found in the West, of course, but we also can find it in many other cultures, such as this classic of Indian literature: The Wicked Stepmother. Further, this Wikipedia entry, under "Fiction" lists many more fairy tales from around the world. "Hamlet" would of course be an excellent example of the wicked stepfather. Surely some work along these lines has already been done?

A Science of Literature?

A Science of Literature?

The author also suggests that we literary types have something to teach science. I agree, and not just in regards to rhetoric. The more complex the science, the more important narrative and hermeneutics is to its study -- especially the social sciences.

Science and Literature

Part I


literature & science pt.1
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The Motive For Metaphor

Check out The Motive for Metaphor, which features Fred Turner and others talking about the nature of metaphor.