Constellating world literature

This paper aims to lay the theoretical groundwork for the constellation paradigm in world literature studies. The first section conducts an interdisciplinary investigation of the concept of constellation in astronomy/astrology, epistemology, and literary hermeneutics. The second section presents the current theoretical explorations for an epistemological alteration in world literature studies. The third section illustrates how constellating world literature operates with three key factors, i.e. points of departure, horizon changes, and universal poetics. Finally, the author concludes that the constellation paradigm serves not only as a useful theoretical tool but also as a remedy for world literature studies under the threats of globalization and nationalism.