ABSTRACT
Literature, it has been argued, is the sole medium which possesses the ability to reflect, and hence contain within itself, other media. As Sandra Poppe has noted, literature has responded to the challenge posed by other media (such as the advent of photography and film towards the end of the nineteenth century) by becoming newly aware of its own faculties and prerogatives. In this reflection, which is at once a reflection by literature of other media and a reflection of literature about itself, language is said by Poppe to be paramount. She writes,
With language as its medium, literature has the possibility to address other arts, to describe them and integrate them into its plot. Yet, language also brings with it another faculty [ … ]. Through language, characteristics can be named, trains of thought and arguments can be comprehended, themes can be discussed. Language as a nuanced means of expression provides man with the ability to reflect, to compare. It is this faculty which makes for literature's advantage over other media. 1
