transtextual

Transtextual refers to the complex relationships that exist between texts. This concept, developed by literary theorist Julia Kristeva, suggests that no text is an island and that all texts are formed through a process of transformation and absorption of other texts. It encompasses various forms of intertextuality, including quotation, allusion, parody, and plagiarism, but extends beyond these to consider the broader cultural and historical influences that shape a text.

In essence, transtextuality posits that every text is a mosaic of citations, a re-working of previous texts. This means that a new text is not entirely original but is rather a redistribution of existing textual elements. Kristeva's theory emphasizes that meaning is not inherent within a single text but is generated through its dialogue with other texts and the cultural context in which it is produced and received. Understanding transtextuality requires looking beyond the boundaries of a single work to explore the network of connections and influences that contribute to its creation and interpretation. It highlights the fluid and interconnected nature of literary and cultural production.