READING FROM AND WRITING ON SCREENS: A THEORY OF TWO LITERATURES

In this paper we look at the subject of reading from and writing on screens, connected to the theory of two literatures. While reviewing the contemporary internationally wide-spanning and well received works on the history of literature, questions arise: why is the discussion on electronic literature not strongly represented yet, and why is the issue of reading from the screen only mentioned cursorily? In our opinion, the answer is to be found in the fact that there are two literatures currently in existence. We set out to prove this theory. In order to specify the theory of two literatures, in this article we (1) briefly cover the two tsunamis of hypertext reception and (2) deal with the notion of hypertext. To follow, (3) we bring typical examples of hypertext literature, all in order to better approach the issue of (4) reading from and (5) writing on screens. Then we take a brief look (6) at the theory of the iconic turn, in order to show how it can be applied to describe new media literature. The theoretical section is closed with (7) the introduction of a new, reader/writer function and attitude. Finally, (8) we present findings of a study conducted on reading from a screen, comparing the results to a previous survey. The article ends with our conclusion (9).