Theoretical and Practical Perspectives جغرافیائی تنقید: نظری و عملی تناظر

Abstract

This research article explores the emerging field of Geocriticism, examining its evolution as a vital literary theory that bridges the gap between geography and literature. While traditional literary analysis often prioritizes “time” (history), Geocriticism shifts the focus toward “space” and “place,” treating the setting not merely as a backdrop but as a dynamic participant in the narrative.

The theoretical framework of this study delves into Bertrand Westphal’s concepts of spatiotemporality, transgressivity, and referentiality. It investigates how human perceptions, cultural mapping, and physical landscapes intersect to shape literary texts. In the practical perspective, the article analyzes how authors utilize geographical markers to construct identity, navigate post-colonial displacement, and represent the complexities of urban and rural life.

By applying a geocritical lens, this paper argues that the "spatial turn" in literature provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between the real world and the fictional "world-version." The findings suggest that Geocriticism offers a multidisciplinary approach that is essential for modern literary criticism, particularly in Urdu literature, where the sense of place is deeply intertwined with cultural and historical migrations.