The essays in On Literature tackle a broad range of subjects: the
metaphysics and function of literature; the difference
between paradox and
aphorism; the different kinds of influence; symbolism; style, with a defence of
textual criticism and semiotics; hypotyposis, or the representation of space in
words; stopgaps; the difference between intertextual irony and levels of
reading; Aristotle''''s Poetics and its influence; and changing Italian
views of American literature and its politics. Works singled out for attention
include the Communist Manifesto and Nerval''''s Sylvie, while the writers
who feature prominently include Dante, Joyce, Wilde, Borges and Eco himself.
I found a lot in this that was new and interesting: the idea of a reversible
aphorism, the post-Vico rejection of the Poetics in Italy, background
to The Name of the Rose, and much more. Eco is readable without any
background in Theory, and uses his erudition to inform rather than to
intimidate. On Literature should entertain anyone curious about
literature and its history and analysis.