The Possibilities and Challenges of Quantitative Modelling of the Fictional Semantics of Colours – A Close Look at Distant Reading (Notes on Richard Změlík’s Konceptualizace barev v narativní fikci na pozadí kvantitativních modelů [Conceptualisations Cover Image

Možnosti a výzvy kvantitatívneho modelovania fikčnej sémantiky farieb – blízky pohľad na čítanie z diaľky (Poznámky ku knihe Richarda Změlíka Konceptualizace barev v narativní fikci na pozadí kvantitativních modelů)
The Possibilities and Challenges of Quantitative Modelling of the Fictional Semantics of Colours – A Close Look at Distant Reading (Notes on Richard Změlík’s Konceptualizace barev v narativní fikci na pozadí kvantitativních modelů [Conceptualisations

Author(s): Peter Getlík
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, Slovak Literature, Theory of Literature
Published by: Ústav slovenskej literatúry SAV
Keywords: Jan Čep; Richard Změlík; distant reading; quantitative modelling; cognitive literary studies; colour semantics;

Summary/Abstract: The article takes as its topic quantitative approaches used in the study of literature. In the field of digital humanities, these are most readily represented by the method of distant reading developed by Franco Moretti. The aim of the article is to evaluate the possibilities and challenges the given method poses. At the same time, it wishes to offer new solutions with regards to the explanation of the seemingly asymmetrical quantitative data in the context of possible interpretations of a work of literature from the perspective of cognitive literary studies. Reflections presented in the paper are based on Richard Změlík’s quantitative research. In his methodologically-centred monograph Konceptualizace barev v narativní fikci na pozadí kvantitativních modelů ([Conceptualisations of colours in narrative fiction on the background of quantitative models] Olomouc: Univerzita Palackého, 2019, 320 pp.), he summarised the distant reading of colour semantics in the fiction of the Czech writer Ján Čep (1902 – 1973). A close critical reading of Změlík’s research reveals strengths and weaknesses of the method he employed. Greatest attention is paid to developing supplementary conclusions regarding the reading of Čep’s book Modrá a zlatá [Blue and gold]. The collection of short stories works with specific colour semantics and as such presents a challenge to the quantitative method employed by Změlík.

  • Issue Year: 68/2021
  • Issue No: 4
  • Page Range: 442 - 450
  • Page Count: 9
  • Language: Slovak