THE HYPERTEXT IN MULTIPLE PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

In this article we summarize and integrate some theoretical studies and

philosophical reflections on the concept of hypertext, in order to contribute for the

construction of an including panorama about the hyper textual question and to stir up new

reflections on this subject. We start magnifying the concept of hypertext, since it

constitutes a possible structure in any support, which is achieved when the texts are typed

and available in computer networks. As LEMOS (1996) suggests, all written text is one

hypertext, once the reading is made of interconnections to the reader’s memory, to the

literal references and to the indices that send the reader for out of the linearity of the text.

Furthermore, we present philosophical reflections of DELEUZE & GUATTARI (2000)

on the concept of rhizome, since they influenced LÉVY’s reflections (1993/1996/2000)

about the characterization and hyper textual functioning. Moreover, we differentiate

printed and digital hypertext; finally, we discuss the existing associations between hypertext

and the cognitive processes of reading. On the one hand, it fits to the author to consider

possible joints between texts through the insertion of links and to restrict what is offered

for reading, on the other hand, the reader needs to choose the sequence that is going to be

read by selecting determined links and not others. In this way, “it seems to exist a limit on

what is offered for reading, but not as such reading will be given”

(CAVALCANTE,2004P.169).