Ergodic

/ɜːrˈɡɒdɪk/ adjective

Definition

In literature: requiring non-trivial effort to traverse the text; a work where the reader must actively navigate, choose, or decode the reading path.

Etymology

Coined for literary theory from Greek 'ergon' (work) + 'hodos' (path). Think: House of Leaves, choose-your-own-adventure books, hypertext fiction. Reading as physical and mental labor.

Kelly Says

Books where you have to WORK to read them! 'House of Leaves' makes you turn the book upside down! Choose-your-own-adventures let you CHOOSE the path! Ergodic literature makes reading an ADVENTURE, not a straight line! 📖🗺️

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