"SOLENOID" AS WORLD LITERATURE

Abstract

This study proposes an analysis of the novel Solenoid from the point of view of world literature theories. The aim of the article is to demonstrate how this contemporary type of discourse contributes to a revaluation of Cărtărescu’s writing in the national sphere, where world literature theories have not been widely explored yet and where Cărtărescu’s novels have sometimes received  divergent opinions. First, we will situate our discourse in the context of world literature current debates. Second, Cărtărescu’s novel will be placed in a network of world writers we consider he belongs to. The third part is dedicated to the way in which the image of Bucharest is constructed in the novel. The closing section will clarify the reasons why Cărtărescu’s novel sets into motion but, at the same time, challenges world literature’s network of writers that it establishes strong connections with.