The Idea As Object

Jeff Pack '99, Brown University (English 112, 1996)

Cyberspace and Literary Theory

The digitization of space puts abstract ideas and concrete objects on equal footing. Ideas in cyberspace literally are objects, to the same extent that simulacra of physical objects are. For instance, this text can be manipulated in several ways, from both ends: I as author can link pages to each other, change colors, make text bold or italicized, and change the text's size and shape.

You as reader can choose the fonts in which you wish to view the text, the size and proportions of the window in which you view the text, and can even choose to ignore my choices of color and style in favor of your own.

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Cyberspace Web Digital Redefinitions Things