Literary Dynamics in Nonlinear Narratives

Abstract

The theory of literary dynamics states that the order of a text has a fundamental role in creating its meaning. When reading a text we are making predictions, anticipations and connections, influenced by a set of frames given by literary or social conventions that we are familiar with. In nonlinear narratives, this dynamic process changes completely due to the absence of a stable frame of reference. It becomes the process through which the narrative shapes itself according to the reader's choice of taking one of the traced directions, of hearing one of the existing voices and of following one of the possible paths. This dissertation aims at tracing a line connecting traditional and digital literature on the basis of how literary dynamics works in nonlinear narratives. The analysis following a dialectic approach by taking, in turn, the perspective of the author, the medium and the reader. Moreover, we will produce a practical output with the creation of a case study in the form of a text for a children's book and the script for an appBook showing the way the narrative changes adapting to the characteristics and expressive potential of the two different media.