First as a Tragedy, Then as some Other Figure: On Tropology of History and Politics of Literature

This paper explores the intersection of historical representation and literary theory through the lens of tropology, examining how narrative forms shape the political and epistemological dimensions of historiography and how different approaches to the politics of literature within literary theory can help consider the political and ethical implications of historical discourse. Drawing primarily on Hayden White’s notion of the tropological structure of historical discourse, this paper situates his arguments alongside post-foundational political theory, particularly Ernesto Laclau’s and Jacques Rancière’s theoretical frameworks. The paper further examines the applicability of various conceptions of politics of literature in the historiographical field, together with the implications of adopting various modernist literary strategies in historiography, assessing their capacity to challenge realist conventions and amplify marginalized voices. While recognizing the emancipatory potential of such transfers, the paper also critiques their romanticization, cautioning against the uncritical collapse of disciplinary boundaries. Ultimately, it advocates a nuanced engagement with literary theory to enrich historical practice without undermining the specific institutional and epistemological frameworks that differentiate the two fields.