среда, 18 сентября 2024 г.

Seminar # 4. Hypertext and hypermedia fiction

 Using your Mind Map software  make the mind map of the hypertext conception.

What are the main parts of the Penetration by Robert Kendall?  Who are the main characters of this poem? How many parts does the poem have? What does the image of green grass symbolize? How many colors are used in the poem? What do they symbolize? What are the main principles of reading hypertext? Explain using the Penetration example.

22 комментария:

  1. 1) What are the main parts of the Penetration by Robert Kendall?
    The poem contains an introductory page with publication details, technical notes and a “pop-up preface” that invites the reader to "come in”. The main page has images of two characters, and interactive sections where readers navigate through different hyperlinks.

    2) Who are the main characters of this poem?
    Penetration focuses on two individuals, a father and daughter, who are seeing each other again for the first time in many years. The natural world around them takes on the role of a third character called the Mothering Earth. The poem focuses on immigration and on a communication between a father and his daughter. The changeability of the text reflects the constant flux of the relationships explored in the poem.

    3) How many parts does the poem have?
    A collection “The Seasons” has two parts: Penetration is the second of two poems. The first one Dispossession was published in 1999, the second – in 2000. On the page there are two other empty spaces which presumably should have finally hosted two other poems to complete “The Seasons”.

    4) What does the image of green grass symbolize?
    The green small bush is growing at the left-hand side of the page each time that the reader accesses an unknown reading path. This small bush that grows as the reader is learning more about the text makes the traces of the reading practice materially visible. Once the bush is fully drawn, the reader knows the hypertext is finished and no other paths need to be discovered.

    5) How many colours are used in the poem?
    In the poem, there are green with its shade of light green, dark green, brown of the background and white colours.

    6) What do they symbolize?
    Links leading to not visited nodes are white, while dark green links indicate the visited nodes. A shade of light green signifies the visited node, but it has not been fully revealed to the reader. The links are contained in green brackets. This green is also the colours in which the title is written and the colours the links take after been touched. In green there are some written words that appear in the text – just a single green word for each part of the text. These words are the link the reader has just clicked to access that section of the hypertext. And final, green is the colours also of the small bush that is growing at the left-hand side of the page each time that the reader accesses an unknown reading path.

    The essay and the mind map are attached here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Gq6OJV4gIw3QZ3j7iakpHMuYHEa3BgDS?usp=drive_link

    Maria Shtraukh, POm-31

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  2. The transition from traditional linear texts to hypertext has fundamentally changed how we interact with information. Unlike conventional texts, hypertext allows readers to navigate through information in a non-linear way, choosing their path based on interest and curiosity. This shift empowers readers with agency, allowing them to shape their own reading journey.
    Kendall and other hypertext theorists have explored key principles that make hypertext a unique and engaging form of text. These principles focus on aspects like maintaining reader momentum, creating meaningful connections, and ensuring a sense of closure. Together, they highlight the importance of balancing structure with freedom in a hypertext environment. This introduction to hypertext reading principles provides a foundation for understanding how interactive digital texts can enhance engagement, making information accessible in new, dynamic ways

    • Non-Linearity
    Hypertext allows for non-linear reading, where users can choose their path through various links or nodes. This freedom lets readers explore content in multiple ways, creating a personalized reading journey.
    • Reader Agency
    Hypertext requires readers to make choices actively. Instead of passively following a set sequence, readers decide where to go next, which links to click, and how to navigate the material. This principle emphasizes the role of the reader in shaping their experience.
    • Maintaining Momentum
    For a successful hypertext experience, it’s important to balance continuity with variety. Readers should be able to move smoothly through the content without running into repetitive loops or dead-ends. Tools like navigation maps or varied link structures can help sustain interest.
    • Creating Meaningful Links
    Links in hypertext should connect relevant ideas or topics rather than being randomly assigned. This ensures that each choice adds value to the reading experience, enabling deeper understanding.
    • Providing Closure
    Unlike linear text, hypertext doesn’t always have a clear ending. However, a good hypertext design offers signals (like visual markers or structured paths) that help readers feel they’ve explored the material fully, providing a sense of completion and satisfaction.


    What are the main parts of the Penetration by Robert Kendall?
    • Penetration is made up of text nodes that are connected to one another to form a hypertext framework.Instead of being organised into conventional sections, the poem is made up of interconnected nodes.
    Who are the main characters of this poem?
    • The hypertext poetry "Penetration" lacks traditional characters.
    How many parts does the poem have?
    • The poem is organised as a network of connected nodes rather than discrete sections.
    What does the image of green grass symbolize?
    • Though there are many possible symbolic interpretations, the green grass in "Penetration" could stand for concepts like growth, energy, or the natural world.
    How many colors are used in the poem?
    • Given the visual aspect of hypertext, the poem may employ a variety of colours. The precise figure isn't stated clearly, though.
    What do they symbolize?
    • Colours in the poetry may represent many emotions, ideas, or views, strengthening the visual and symbolic qualities of the piece. The interpretation may be subjective and situation dependant.

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  3. (I am sorry to post it here too late, because I totally forgot about it, but I have uploaded this work on time via DiSpace)
    What are the main parts of the Penetration by Robert Kendall?
    The main parts are:
    Opening Page: This page includes information about the publication, technical notes, and an introduction by Robert Kendall.
    Preface Page: This page pops up when you click "Begin the poem." It simply says "come in" and invites the reader to enter the text.
    Main Text: This is the core of the poem, accessed after the preface. It features images of two people and words that lead to different starting points for the reading experience.
    Who are the main characters of this poem?
    The main characters are the father (represents a generation that has experienced immigration) and daughter (represents a younger generation perhaps affected by their parent's experiences).
    How many parts does the poem have?
    The text doesn't specify the exact number of parts in the poem. However, it mentions "several pieces of information" on the opening page, a preface, and a main text.
    What does the image of green grass symbolize?
    This is the color used for the title, the links, and the bush representing new reading paths. This could be interpreted as a symbol of new beginnings, growth, and exploration.
    How many colors are used in the poem? What do they symbolize?
    There are two colors:
    Links leading to unvisited nodes (that is, sections of text not yet read) are white, while dark green links indicate nodes that have already visited.
    A shade of light green (lying between the other two link colors) signifies that the reader have visited the node but it has not been fully revealed to you.
    If the reader click on a light green link to return to one of these partially revealed nodes, they will find the node's contents altered to reflect the new context in which they are reading it. This is accomplished by means of variable text elements created with the Connection System.

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  4. Rhizome Model: The rhizome model, as proposed by Deleuze and Guattari, can be applied to hypertext. The rhizome's horizontal, interconnected structure, without a central hierarchy, mirrors the non-linear and interconnected nature of hypertext.
    "Penetration's" multiple entry points and branching paths align with the rhizome model, where different points of entry can lead to a multitude of interconnected paths.

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  5. What does the image of green grass symbolize?
    Green grass symbolizes life, growth, renewal, and innocence. It can also represent a sense of peace or the fleeting nature of existence.
    How many colors are used in the poem? What do they symbolize?
    The poem uses various colors, including green (symbolizing life and growth), gray or dark tones (symbolizing oppression, control, or a dystopian world), and possibly other colors depending on the interpretation.
    What are the main parts of the Penetration by Robert Kendall?
    Penetration focuses on two individuals, a father and daughter. The natural world around them takes on the role of a third character called the Mothering Earth.
    How many parts does the poem have?
    "Penetration" by Robert Kendall explores a highly controlled society where personal actions and thoughts are constantly surveilled. The story follows the protagonist’s realization of this invasive surveillance system, leading them to question their lack of privacy. As the narrative progresses, the protagonist attempts to resist and challenge the system, culminating in a critical confrontation. The story concludes by reflecting on the consequences of their actions and the implications for personal freedom in a world dominated by surveillance.

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  6. Summarizing

    1) What are the main parts of the Penetration by Robert Kendall? Who are the main characters of this poem?
    Penetration focuses on two individuals, a father and daughter. The natural world around them takes on the role of a third character called the Mothering Earth.

    2) How many parts does the poem have?
    #1 – “daylight”: poem told by the daughter;
    #2 – “story”: poem told by the father;
    #3 – “wall” poem told by the daughter and the father;
    #4 – poems told by The Mothering Earth

    3) What does the image of green grass symbolize? How many colors are used in the poem? What do they symbolize?
    The links are contained in green brackets. This green is also the colour in which the title is written and the colour the links take after been touched. In green there are written some words that appear in the text – just a single green word for each part of the text. These words are the link the reader has just clicked to access that section of the hypertext. And finally green is the colour also of the small bush that is growing at the left-hand side of the page each time that the reader accesses an unknown reading path. This small bush that grows as the reader is learning more about the text makes the traces of the reading practice materially visible. Not only the links change colours once accessed – light green, if the reader needs to pass thorough that link another time to completely read it and in this case the bush does not grow, and dark green – but also a bush that simulates the reading path and makes visible the reader’s touch. This is a peculiarity of this hypertext. Normally hypertexts show the reading practice only by changing the link colours. Here, once the bush is fully drawn the reader knows the hypertext is finished and no other paths need to be discovered.

    Extending

    What are the main principles of reading hypertext?

    Principle 1. Non-linearity
    In hypertext, information is not presented in a strict sequence. Readers can choose their path through the text, which allows for a personalised experience. In Penetration, a reader might start with any of the words suggested and then follow the desired order. Each choice leads to different part of a poem.

    Principle 2. Interactivity
    Hypertext encourages active engagement. Readers can click on links to access various content, which can deepen their understanding of the subject. While reading Penetration, a reader ‘writes’ a poem and ‘grows’ a bush by clicking on the unvisited links.

    Principle 3. Multimedia Integration
    Hypertext may include various media formats, such as text, images, audio, and video. This variety can enhance comprehension and retention of information. In the Penetration example, alongside with a poem a reader can see the growing and then the blooming bush which makes the experience more engaging.

    Principle 4. Reader Control
    Readers have the autonomy to decide how they navigate through the content. This control can lead to a more satisfying experience. Reading Penetration, a reader can be in control of the next part of the poem and the story so the final of the story depends on reader’s choice.

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  7. "Penetration" by Robert Kendall is a notable work in the realm of hypertext poetry, characterized by its interactive and non-linear structure. Here’s a breakdown of its main components and themes:

    Main Parts of "Penetration"
    Introduction: Sets the stage for the poem, introducing the themes and inviting the reader into the hypertextual experience.
    Main Sections: The poem is divided into several interconnected parts that can be navigated in various ways, allowing readers to explore different paths and meanings.
    Links and Interactivity: The hypertextual nature of the poem includes hyperlinks that lead to additional text, images, or sections, creating a layered reading experience.
    Main Characters
    The Narrator: Often serves as the primary voice, reflecting on personal experiences and emotions.
    The Other: This character may represent an abstract concept, a partner, or a figure of desire, contributing to the poem's exploration of intimacy and connection.
    Structure of the Poem
    Parts: "Penetration" has multiple parts, typically organized into sections that can be accessed in a non-linear fashion. The exact number of parts can vary depending on the specific version or platform where the poem is presented.
    Symbolism of Green Grass
    Green Grass: In the context of "Penetration," green grass often symbolizes growth, renewal, and vitality. It can represent the potential for new experiences or connections, as well as the natural world’s beauty and tranquility.
    Colors Used in the Poem
    Color Palette: The poem employs various colors, each carrying symbolic weight. Common colors include:
    Green: Symbolizing life, growth, and hope.
    Red: Often associated with passion, desire, or danger.
    Blue: Can represent calmness, sadness, or introspection.
    Yellow: May symbolize warmth, joy, or enlightenment.
    Symbolism of Colors
    Green: Growth and renewal.
    Red: Passion and intensity.
    Blue: Emotional depth and tranquility.
    Yellow: Optimism and energy.
    Main Principles of Reading Hypertext
    Non-linearity: Hypertext allows readers to navigate the text in a non-linear fashion. Readers can choose their path, which creates a personalized experience. In "Penetration," this means exploring different sections based on hyperlinks, leading to varied interpretations.

    Interactivity: Readers are active participants in the creation of meaning. The choices they make in navigating the poem can alter their understanding and emotional response. For example, clicking on different links in "Penetration" can lead to new insights or emotional resonances.

    Multiplicity of Meaning: Hypertext often contains layers of meaning that can be accessed through different routes. Each path can reveal different aspects of the poem, encouraging multiple readings and interpretations.

    Visual and Spatial Elements: The arrangement of text, images, and colors contributes to the overall meaning. In "Penetration," the use of colors and the layout of the text can evoke specific feelings or themes, enhancing the reader's experience.

    Reader Agency: Readers have the power to shape their experience by choosing how to engage with the text. This agency is a fundamental aspect of hypertext literature, as seen in how one navigates through "Penetration."

    Conclusion
    "Penetration" by Robert Kendall exemplifies the innovative potential of hypertext poetry, inviting readers to engage with the text in dynamic and interactive ways. By understanding its structure, symbolism, and the principles of hypertext reading, one can appreciate the depth and complexity of the work.

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  8. Summarizing:
    What are the main parts of the Penetration by Robert Kendall?
    The Narrative Structure: The novel uses a fragmented, non-linear structure, jumping between different timelines and perspectives. This fractured narrative itself is a crucial element, reflecting the fragmented nature of the protagonist's psyche and the chaotic events he's involved in.
    The Protagonist's Psychological Journey: The internal struggle and transformation of the unnamed protagonist are central. His experiences with violence, betrayal, and manipulation profoundly shape his identity, making his evolving mental state a primary focus.
    The Exploration of Power Dynamics: The novel delves into the complex and often brutal power dynamics between individuals and groups. This includes the power of institutions, the power of manipulation, and the power of sexual dominance and submission.
    The Depiction of Violence and its Aftermath: Violence, both physical and psychological, is a recurring motif. The narrative doesn't shy away from depicting its brutal reality and explores its lasting impact on the characters involved.
    The Themes of Memory and Trauma: The novel intricately weaves together memory and trauma, demonstrating how past experiences shape present actions and perceptions. The unreliability of memory and the difficulty of confronting past trauma are significant themes.

    Who are the main characters of this poem?
    There is no single easily definable "main character". The unnamed protagonist is central, but the narrative shifts perspective, and other characters play significant roles in shaping his experiences.

    How many parts does the poem have?

    Penetration doesn't have formally defined "parts" like chapters in a traditional sense. The narrative is fragmented and non-linear. Instead of parts, it’s better to think of it in terms of interwoven storylines and perspectives.

    What does the image of green grass symbolize?
    Each transition from verse to verse is signified by growth and development of the plot, depicted by growing, and then budding image of green grass.


    Extending:
    What are the main principles of reading hypertext? Explain using the Penetration example.
    Non-linearity: Hypertext allows for non-sequential reading. Penetration mirrors this with its fragmented timeline and shifting perspectives. The reader isn't presented with a straightforward chronology; instead, they encounter pieces of the narrative scattered across time and viewpoint, requiring them to construct the story themselves. This resembles navigating a hypertext where links lead to various nodes of information.
    Multilinearity: Hypertext offers multiple pathways through the material. In Penetration, the reader actively creates meaning by connecting fragments and interpreting the relationships between different events and character perspectives. There's no single "correct" reading; the meaning emerges from the reader's choices in interpreting the fragmented narrative. This is analogous to following different links in a hypertext and arriving at a unique understanding.
    Reader Participation: Hypertext emphasizes the reader's active role in constructing meaning. Penetration, with its fragmented and ambiguous nature, demands active participation. The reader isn't passively absorbing a linear story; they must fill in gaps, make inferences, and interpret the ambiguous relationships between events and characters. This active role is crucial to understanding the novel.
    Intertextuality: Hypertext often incorporates elements from other texts. While not explicit intertextuality in the traditional sense, Penetration's ambiguous and fragmented nature invites the reader to draw connections to their own experiences and other literary works, creating a unique and personal understanding. This echoes the way a hypertext might link to other resources or related information.

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  9. Summarizing:
    What are the main parts of the Penetration by Robert Kendall?
    The poem consists of interconnected nodes that lead readers through various themes and perspectives. It is structured using the Connection System.
    Who are the main characters of this poem?
    The poem focuses on two immigrants from Eastern Europe: a father and a daughter.
    The natural world around them, symbolized by the Mothering Earth, also plays a crucial role.

    How many parts does the poem have?
    The poem does not have traditional parts or chapters.
    Instead, it unfolds through a hypertextual structure, allowing readers to explore different paths.
    What does the image of green grass symbolize?
    The image of green grass represents life, growth, and renewal.
    It contrasts with the immigrant experience, emphasizing the tension between change and stability.
    How many colors are used in the poem? What do they symbolize?
    The poem uses white and dark colors.
    White represents unvisited nodes, while dark signifies visited ones.
    This color scheme reflects the exploration of different paths and perspectives.

    Extending:
    What are the main principles of reading hypertext? Explain using the Penetration example.
    The main principles of reading hypertexts are the following:
    1. Nonlinearity: Hypertext breaks away from the linear sequence of traditional text. Unlike printed books, where readers follow a fixed order, hypertext allows readers to choose their own paths by following links.
    2. Navigation Freedom: Hypertext empowers readers by letting them decide the order in which they read. It destroys the authority of the author in determining how readers are introduced to a topic.
    3. Conditional Display: Hypertext systems often display links and text elements conditionally or randomly. Nodes change contextually, adapting to the reader’s choices.
    4. Dynamic Nature: Hypertext is dynamic, allowing for multiple paths and options. Readers can explore different connections, creating a personalized reading experience.
    One of the examples is Penetration by Robert Kendall. There are some principles:
    1. Structure: “Penetration” uses the Connection System, a form of hypertext.
    2. JavaScript Support: Readers need a JavaScript-enabled browser to navigate the poem.
    3. Cookies: The poem uses cookies to store data needed by the program code.
    4. Dynamic Display: Lines within nodes change contextually based on the reader’s path.
    5. No Fixed Order: Readers are free to explore the poem without a predetermined sequence.
    6. Exit: To exit the poem, readers close the window displaying it.

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  10. Part 1: Summarizing
    Robert Kendall's Penetration is a seminal work of hypertext poetry that exemplifies the essay explores the poem’s structure, symbolism, and the principles of reading hypertext, focusing on how these aspects create a unique and immersive experience for the reader.
    • Main parts
    The structure of Penetration departs from traditional poetic forms, embracing the non-linear, fragmented qualities of hypertext. As the second installment in The Seasons collection, following Dispossession (1999), the poem was intended to be part of a larger series. However, the collection remained incomplete, with two additional poems never added to its framework.
    The poem revolves around two central figures: a father and his daughter. Their relationship is at the heart of the narrative, interwoven with themes of immigration and displacement. These universal themes resonate deeply, reflecting the experiences of separation and connection, memory, and the shifting nature of identity. The lack of a fixed narrative structure enhances these themes, inviting readers to engage actively with the text.
    The poem consists of interactive sections known as lexias, fragments of text linked through hypertext. Each lexia can range from a single line to several verses, creating a layered, multifaceted narrative that adapts to the reader's choices. This flexibility reflects one of hypertext’s defining characteristics: the absence of a singular starting or ending point. Readers determine the flow of the poem, making their journey through the text unique.
    • Symbolism
    The poem employs visual and auditory cues to deepen the reading experience. Green is the predominant color, appearing in the brackets surrounding hyperlinks, the poem’s title, and select words within the text. This color represents growth, exploration, and the unfolding of new paths. Each time a reader clicks a link, a small bush grows on the left side of the screen, symbolizing the progress made and the discovery of previously untraveled paths. This visual metaphor aligns with the poem’s themes of personal growth and the branching possibilities inherent in hypertext.
    Other symbolic elements include the white line left behind after the title disappears. This subtle design choice suggests the transition from the surface of the text into its depths. The disappearing title and the dynamic visual cues reflect the poem's thematic exploration of immersion and transformation.

    (Rotova Kira)

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    Ответы
    1. Part 2: Extending
      Hypertext poetry like Penetration transforms reading from a passive act into an active, participatory experience. The principles of reading hypertext are exemplified in this work:
      1. Nonlinear navigation – hypertext defies traditional narrative structures, allowing readers to explore multiple paths through the text. In Penetration, there is no single entry or exit point. Instead, readers choose their trajectory, creating a personalized experience. This mirrors the fragmented, uncertain nature of the father-daughter relationship and the broader theme of immigration.
      2. Interactive engagement – clicking on hyperlinks generates an audible “click,” reinforcing the reader’s role in advancing the narrative. The hyperlinks are visually distinct, marked by green brackets, and guide the reader to new sections while maintaining continuity. This tactile engagement deepens the connection between reader and text, making the act of reading part of the poem's meaning.
      3. Adaptive context – the poem adapts to the reader’s interactions. If revisited, the hypertext remembers the reader’s progress, offering the option to resume or restart. This feature aligns with the themes of memory and the fragmented nature of human relationships, particularly the father-daughter bond explored in the text.
      4. Symbolic design – visual elements such as the growing bush and the disappearing title blur the boundaries between text and reader. The growing bush serves as a visual representation of discovery, while the disappearing title signifies the reader's penetration into the poem’s core.

      • Technological and artistic implications
      The technology behind Penetration — developed using the Connection System — plays a crucial role in its artistic expression. It utilizes JavaScript to track reading history and ensure dynamic interaction, making the experience deeply immersive. However, the poem’s full functionality is browser-dependent, with Internet Explorer providing the most consistent performance. This reliance on specific technologies highlights the challenges and ephemerality of digital literature, as evolving platforms risk rendering such works inaccessible.

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  11. Seminar 4 Hypertext and hypermedia fiction

    Summarizing:
    It explores themes of intimacy, connection, and the interplay between the physical and emotional realms. Each part contributes to the overall narrative and emotional landscape of the poem.
    The poem focuses on immigration and on a relationship between a father and his daughter. These themes are interesting since many e-poems have as the subject of their work: memory, decay, language itself and its potentialities.
    Main Characters:
    - The voice of narrator conveys the emotions and experiences throughout the poem, often reflecting on personal connections.
    - A lover, partner, or significant figure in the narrator's life, representing the subject of their emotional and physical connection.
    The poem has four / five main parts, each revealing different layers of meaning and exploring various aspects of the relationship and experiences being described.
    The poem employs various colors, with three main colors identified, each carrying its own symbolism:
    Colours:
    Green – growth, renewal, and vitality.
    Red – passion, love, and intensity.
    Blue – calmness, sadness, or introspection.

    Extending:
    Reading hypertext presents a unique approach to engaging with texts, as it allows for a nonlinear exploration of information. One of the main principles of reading hypertext is nonlinear navigation. Unlike traditional texts that follow a sequential order, hypertext enables readers to jump between various sections, creating a web of interconnected ideas. In Robert Kendall's poem "Penetration," readers may encounter links that lead to different interpretations or analyses of specific lines, allowing them to explore the poem's meaning from multiple angles. They are able to choose different sections, such as the emotional reflections or the vivid imagery of nature.
    Furthermore, hypertext invites readers to actively participate in their reading experience. In "Penetration," readers can choose which links to click on based on their interests, such as delving into character analysis or exploring the symbolism of colours. This engagement fosters a personalized understanding of the text that may differ significantly among readers. It creates the feeling of co-authoring.
    Understanding hypertext also involves maintaining contextual awareness. Readers should take into account the relationships between various elements within the text. For instance, the colours used—green, brown, and blue—are not merely decorative; they contribute to the poem's emotional landscape. Recognizing how these colors symbolize life, stability, and introspection allows readers to appreciate the nuances of the poem more fully.
    Every reader has the opportunity to partake into the journey through the text. It is shaped by their choices, leading to distinct interpretations and experiences. By selecting different links related to the poem, a reader might focus on themes such as emotional depth or color symbolism, resulting in a unique understanding that reflects their personal interests.
    What is more, information is often presented in smaller, disconnected segments that require readers to piece together meanings (fragmentation). In Kendall’s poem, readers might encounter fragmented thoughts or imagery that they need to connect to fully grasp the emotional landscape of the work.
    It is worth mentioning that in all the texts there is no punctuation, no capital letters to stop this flow of memory. The hypertext simulates a stream of consciousness. There is only one reminder about the time. It is the green colour (link).
    All in all, Robert Kendall's "Penetration" is a vivid example of hypertext. The principles presented above will remain of utmost importance for readers seeking to explore the rich tapestry of meaning within digital literature.

    by Savina Anastasia POm-31

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