For a discussion on perception and valorization of the “new” in the XXth century Literature

Abstract

Twentieth Century literature has developed a special perception about what it considers as “new”, a perception that goes beyond creative writers to reach literary theory. We will try to show in a few words how a specific concept of “new” circulates from Russian Formalism to Reader Response theory. As an example of the conflict introduced by this perception, we will confront the basic thesis of Italian Futurism and its contemporary critic, Karl Vossler.