Wellek's Historical Framework: Maker and Possessed Writers

Rene Wellek, a renowned literary critic and theorist, proposed a framework for understanding literary history. He arranged writers not just chronologically, but also based on specific conceptual grounds, notably differentiating between the concepts of the 'maker' and the 'possessed'.

Understanding Wellek's Concepts

In Wellek's view:

• 'Maker' typically refers to the originator, the primary innovator, or the archetype whose influence is foundational.
• 'Possessed' often describes writers or movements that follow, are influenced by, or embody the characteristics established by earlier 'makers'. They are 'possessed' by the spirit or style of the preceding literary era or figure.

Arranging Writers Historically

Wellek utilized this distinction to map out a historical progression of literary figures and movements. The question asks for this specific arrangement based on the provided options. The sequence reflects a progression from foundational archetypes to later developments.

The established historical framework, considering the concepts of 'maker' and 'possessed', follows this order:

1. A. The Shaman: Often considered one of the earliest archetypal figures in literature and ritual, representing a foundational creative or spiritual source.
2. D. The Romantic: A major literary movement characterized by its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and nature, which followed earlier traditions but established a new paradigm.
3. C. The Expressionist: A movement focusing on subjective experience and emotional expression, emerging later, often seen as reacting against or developing from Romantic ideals.
4. B. The Surrealist: A 20th-century movement exploring the subconscious mind and dreams, representing a later stage in the evolution of artistic and literary expression.

Therefore, the correct sequence representing Rene Wellek's arrangement on the ground of 'maker' and 'possessed' in a historical framework is A, D, C, B.