‘”Quoiqu’elle ne pousse ni grands gestes ni grands cris . . . “: Comparative Literature in Great Britain’

Abstract

Following a synopsis of landmarks in the development of comparative literature in the UK, this essay considers the current situation of the field. It reviews in particular debates about the “crisis” of comparative literature, its relation to translation studies, postcolonial studies, and world literature; its response to hegemonic English; and possible future orientations