Hypertext is one of my favorite topics in the Digital Literature realm. I love the idea of the culmination of digital networks mixed with a non-linear plot/text. In chapter three of Electronic Literature by Scott Rettberg, it is evident that the idea of hypertext is a foundation to electronic literature and, by extension, a foundation to the way humans interact with digital elements. Rettberg essentially describes that Hypertext is more than it comes off to be, and it is a creative medium that demonstrates the capabilities formed in the digital field. Through works of "The Garden of Forking Paths", which is a great example of what the author describes as something not linear, as opposed to a straight line, as it is a story within a story.
"Patchwork Girl", by Shelley Jackson, takes on the concept of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," which shows the creative extent of hypertext literature and how it shows fluidity through ideas and storylines, especially the change from Victor creating Frankenstein, to the creation of a woman character that mirrors Frankenstein and its symbolism. Which is why hypertext is so fascinating, as it shows itself in the places you wouldn't think it would be. This piece reminds me of "My body" which Shelley Jackson also created, which is a hypertext piece that stuck out to me, and I believe is worth experiencing as it is a form of art and literature interconnected.
These pieces are a beautiful correlation of the inner workings of hypertext, which is why I am personally so fond of the field of hypertext, as I have past experience in creating my own versions. I find it to be a creative outlet to produce not only literature but art and history in ways that network original and non-linear ideas. I would love to even discuss the process of my hypertext, as it was such a meaningful process!
Before I get carried away, though, this week's readings really interested me as the idea of hypertext is growing and evolving in such positive ways, especially as it becomes more useful and common in this digital age.
I liked how you mentioned how hypertext is evolving rapidly thanks to technology, as that was a detail in this chapter that stood out to me. What's next for hypertext, and what will it look like in five years? 10 years?
ReplyDeleteTwine is really giving hypertext/nonlinear writing a comeback era. :)
DeleteOut of all the hypertext media I've interacted with for class, the piece that has stuck with me the most was 'Depression Quest'. Similarly to both 'My Body' and 'Patchwork Girl', it used piecemeal writing to tell a larger, unfolding story with choice at the forefront. What stood out so much to me was the elimination of choices in the text. Options would be grayed out, or some would fail to be completed even if you chose them. Giving someone the option of choice and then taking that same choice away is an equally powerful message, which is really cool to think about.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense you would enjoy Depression Quest since it's a Twine story. :)
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