Comparative Literature Methodology by Rene Wellek

The statement highlights a critique of defining comparative literature too narrowly, specifically through 'binary relations'.

According to this perspective, focusing only on direct comparisons between two literatures (binary relations) limits the field. Such an approach might lead to dealing with isolated parts ('fragments') without a coherent framework.

Furthermore, this restricted view is seen as lacking its own distinct 'methodology', making it difficult to establish comparative literature as a rigorous academic discipline.

Rene Wellek, a prominent critic and literary theorist, argued against such limitations. He emphasized the need for broader theoretical foundations and methodologies to establish comparative literature as a robust field of study, moving beyond simple pairwise comparisons.

Therefore, the assertion that comparative literature based solely on binary relations cannot form a meaningful discipline with its own methodology is attributed to Rene Wellek.