Appropriation theory and Australian literary studies : a position paper

This chapter seeks to position ‘appropriation theory’ within literary studies in Australia, providing an overview of the development, demise and the resurgence of the theory and its application as a method of critique. The concept of ‘appropriation’ is yet to be clearly defined in the standard literary studies reference texts. Interchangability of the terms ‘appropriation’, ‘adaptation’ and ‘intertextuality’ within literary studies can result in the occlusion of critique. Theories of appropriation might explore and identify; appropriative devices and acts, and authorial right and its prioritisation. The critical omission of theories which conceptualise ‘appropriation’ has implications for gender, race, class and intellectual property discourses within Australian literary studies.