Seeing what you read: heteroglossia and the signiconic in Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves

Abstract

This thesis argues for a broadening of literary studies by connecting textual content and visual form in its method of interpretation. The focus of the literary field is thus far on the textual sides only, while visual features such as typeface, layout, and possible imagery and multimedial elements are also of importance in the interpretation of fiction. By showing the connection between Mark Z. Danielewski’s signiconic and Bakhtin’s heteroglossia, this thesis aims to reveal the inherent connection between textual content and visual form. To be able to do this, this thesis performs a close reading of the textual and visual aspects of Mark Z. Danielewski’s House of Leaves in equal measure. Furthermore, this thesis looks more closely at the influence the signiconic has on the interpretation of the novel.