Budeiri, R; (2008) An exploration of London in fiction and reality. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This paper concerns itself with investigating the relationship between representations and reality by focussing on fictional descriptions of London in the novels of Peter Ackroyd. Taking the initial inspiration of fantastical Utopias as products of human minds embedded in the social and spatial city this paper developed by investigating how these impressions could possibly be related to the real city. Using experimental techniques to collect data from fictional texts this paper asks the question of how the relationship between fiction and reality can be understood. Using a number of techniques inspired by Franco Moretti coupled with the conventional space syntax methods developed by Bill Hillier this paper aims to posit the hypothesis that there is a profound relationship between fictional city of London and London in reality, a generative relationship which sees the representation aid the development of reality and vice versa. As images are created in cultural minds these in turn have an impact on the lived realities through the work of designers, architects and authors which influence and are influenced by citizens, users and readers. This paper uses the work of Hillier and Moretti as a base which is coupled with ideas about new technology and its role in the process of creating literature which can be experienced not only in books but through other mediums. This paper introduces these ideas with a discussion of their background before focussing on a wider review of related literature which can be used to discuss the topic at hand. The data collected from the reading of Ackroyd's three novels is then presented through a variety of techniques. Finally a conclusion is offered in the form of a discussion of the influences of new technology and the challenge of post modernity for representations of the city. The paper ends by drawing parallels between text and city and how each is formed based on Hillier's work on the relation between the two.

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