As Time Passes Us By: Temporal Dimensions in Formulas

Abstract

In this article, I shall deal with the concept of formula, created by John Cawelti as a means of studying popular culture, mostly literature. Based on a difference between conventions and inventions, this concept promised a lot of change in theoretical dealings with popular culture. However, some changes are needed in its definition, since Cawelti didn't spend a lot of time defining formula's mutation through time as well as its relation to genre, another concept used in popular culture studies. I also investigate in greater depth the aforementioned relation between convention and invention.