FICTION AS A CULT IN THE AGE OF METAMODERNISM

Abstract

The article examines the problem of perceiving literature as a kind of cult in the metamodern era. The paradigm of metamodernism draws attention to self-reflective and self-aware artistic tendencies, challenging traditional approaches and inviting recipients to reassess established norms. The presented article attempts to analyse the complex correlation between self-reflexivity, which is inherent in metamodernist literature, and the concept of cult. The first dimension considered in this article concerns the study of the impact of metamodernism on the perception and reception of artistic works. It is established that metamodernism as an aesthetic and cultural movement is characterised by an oscillation between sincerity and irony, metaphorically creating a pendulum dynamic: on the one hand, it returns to the historical and cultural codes of the past, and on the other, it moves into an uncertain present. It is noteworthy that, as per the statements outlined in the “Metamosernist Manifesto” one of the primary concerns is the issue of aesthetic quality and the perception of beauty. The solution to these problems is assigned directly to art. It has been established that metamodernist literature is often distinguished by self-awareness and self-reflexivity, i.e., it focuses on the construction of the work as such, inviting readers to participate in the study of the creative process. Thus, literature reaches a novel and superior stage of advancement, known as the meta-level. The second dimension of the presented study is dedicated to metafiction that focuses on the processes of writing and reception of literary works, thus closes the circle on itself, creating a cult out of literature. Based on the traditional interpretation of the concept of "cult", the author describes the concept of Roman and Greek cults, the centre of which was a charismatic leader, a genius. Parallels are drawn between the ancient interpretation of the concept and the way it is perceived in the literary plane. The article argues that the charismatic leaders in literary cults are, in fact, writers, and the central image endowed with a special aura is the text. Thus, the relationship in the author work-reader(s) nexus reflects the dynamics of traditional cults that rely on charismatic leaders to inspire devotion and loyalty.