Criticism

The rise of hypertext literature – stories told through branching narratives, interactive choices, and non-linear structures – has presented a significant challenge to traditional literary criticism. For centuries, critical approaches have largely focused on linear narratives, established character arcs, and unified authorial voices. Analyzing a novel or poem typically involves dissecting its thematic development, exploring symbolic representations, and understanding the author’s intent within a defined framework. This model struggles to accommodate the fluid, fragmented, and often collaborative nature of hypertext fiction.