Abstract

This paper presents key concepts from cognitive poetics, an interdisciplinary field that took shape in the 1980s as researchers from literature and cognitive science realised that there were potentially fruitful intersections between their fields of study. The aim of the paper is to explore and deepen this interaction. The paper emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between the natural and literary worlds, challenging once-conventional dualities such as mind vs. body. By doing so, it underscores the interconnectedness of the two domains, showcasing how both draw from the same well of human experience and cognition. The fresh perspectives for the analysis of literary works that cognitive poetics introduces are illustrated by means of an exploration of conceptual metaphors and the concept of blending, which provide valuable tools for delving deeper into the intricate tapestry of literary language. Ultimately, the essay advocates a constructive dialogue between cognitive sciences and literary criticism. By doing so, it aims to enrich the comprehension of both literary language and the underlying cognitive processes that shape it.