Anders Cullhed Calls Readers to “Petrarca.net”

Swedish cultural critic Anders Cullhed of Dagens Nyheter describes literature as the world’s largest network, tracing connections from Dante to Mircea Cartarescu. He recounts a dream where he lectured on this concept, realizing it stemmed from a recent talk on Shakespeare and medieval literature. Cullhed notes how authors build upon each other—Dante’s characters reading about Lancelot, Goethe’s Werther influenced by Klopstock—creating a relay of themes.

He highlights the enduring influence of Propertius’s poetry, echoing through centuries and languages, and ultimately reaching Jorge Luis Borges. This network faced challenges from figures like Augustine, who favored scripture, and the Romantics, who prioritized originality. Despite the rise of digital networks today, Cullhed expresses cautious optimism, seeing new connections forming even amidst the dominance of screens.

He concludes with a quote from Mircea Cartarescu, emphasizing literature’s importance as a source of hope, and invites readers to join the network—to “take and read.” The work of understanding these connections will continue.

TEXT IS AN ADAPTATION OF A TALK GIVEN AT THE LITERARY DAY AT THE DRAMATIC THEATRE IN STOCKHOLM ON MAY 4TH.