Math in Literature: Fresh Take

  • Identify the relationship between math and literature

Structural Elements in Literature

The Main Idea

Ever thought about why certain stories feel so satisfying? It’s not just the plot or characters; it’s the structure. Authors often use mathematical sequences like the Fibonacci Sequence or the Golden Ratio to craft their narratives. This adds a layer of complexity and beauty to the story, making it more engaging and memorable.

  • Fibonacci Sequence: This sequence starts with [latex]0[/latex] and [latex]1[/latex], and each subsequent number is the sum of the two preceding ones ([latex]0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8..[/latex].). In literature, some authors use this sequence to determine the word count for each chapter, adding a layer of mathematical beauty to their narrative.
  • Golden Ratio: This mathematical constant, approximately [latex]1.618[/latex], is used to divide a story into two parts, often marking a critical turning point in the narrative. The first part takes up about [latex]38.2\%[/latex] of the story, and the second part [latex]61.8\%[/latex].

Rhythmic and Linguistic Patterns in Literature

The Main Idea

Mathematics isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about patterns. In literature, these patterns manifest in the rhythm and rhyme schemes of poems. For instance, the [latex]5-7-5[/latex] syllabic pattern in a haiku isn’t just a rule; it’s a mathematical structure that adds to its beauty. Similarly, rhyme schemes like [latex]ABAB[/latex] create a musical flow, making the poem more engaging.

  • Syllabic Patterns: Different forms of poetry use mathematical patterns to dictate their structure. For example, a haiku follows a [latex]5-7-5[/latex] syllabic pattern.
  • Rhyme Schemes: These are mathematically structured patterns like [latex]ABAB[/latex] or [latex]AABB[/latex] that add musicality to poems.

Watch the following video for more on poetic patterns.

You can view the transcript for “The pleasure of poetic pattern – David Silverstein” here (opens in new window).

 

Analytical Tools and Conceptual Frameworks in Literature and Math

The Main Idea

Mathematics offers a set of tools that can deepen our understanding of literature. Algorithms can analyze the frequency and distribution of words within a text, offering insights into recurring themes. Stylometry goes a step further by examining the style of writing itself, helping to attribute authorship or understand the nuances of different genres.

  • Textual Analysis Algorithms: These algorithms can sift through large volumes of text to identify recurring themes or sentiments, as well as identify who authored the work.
  • Stylometry: This involves statistical analysis of variations in literary style to attribute authorship.