A Scrutinization of an Interactive Poem Faith in the Light of Lyotard’s the Postmodern Condition and Issues of Legitimation

A critical analysis of Faith using Lyotard's work of Postmodern Condition and Issues of Legitimation.

Abstract

This article generates an argument on how digital text challenges the concept of metanarratives and deviates from the norms of legitimized knowledge. By keeping this in mind, the current research will scrutinize an interactive poem Faith composed by Robert Kendall which challenges the traditional style of writing poetry. As the paper deals with interactive fiction using both textual and visual methods the poem is explored under the light of Lyotard’s theory of End of Metanarratives which he introduced in his most influential work The Postmodern Condition. Postmodernism is defined as “incredulity towards metanarratives”. The findings show that digital literature is postmodern literature because like postmodernism it challenges traditional writing style and considers non-linear plot as more valid in the postmodern world in contrast to chronological structure. Thus, to be concluded, the immense use of postmodern hallmarks in digital literature reflects delegitimation of knowledge.