Meaning: The quote by Northrop Frye, a prominent literary critic, is a commentary on the impact of copyright laws on literature and the arts. He suggests that the conventional or traditional elements in literature are being obscured or hidden by the legal framework of copyright, which treats works of art as if they are unique inventions worthy of patent protection.

Frye's quote touches on several important aspects of the relationship between literature, creativity, and the legal system. It highlights the tension between the traditional or conventional elements of storytelling and the modern concept of intellectual property rights. By referring to the "conventional element in literature," Frye seems to be alluding to the recurring themes, motifs, and narrative structures that have been passed down through generations of storytelling. These traditional elements are part of the collective cultural heritage and form the foundation of literary expression.

However, Frye suggests that these traditional elements are being overshadowed or obscured by the legal concept of copyright, which treats every work of art as a unique and original creation that can be protected under the law. This perspective implies that copyright laws may inadvertently suppress or limit the free flow of traditional literary elements by imposing a framework of ownership and exclusivity on creative works.

Frye's reference to the "law of copyright pretending that every work of art is an invention distinctive enough to be patented" underscores the idea that the legal system, by treating creative works as proprietary inventions, may be imposing a commercial and individualistic framework on a form of expression that has traditionally been communal and open to reinterpretation and adaptation. The notion of patenting works of art suggests a level of exclusivity and control that may be at odds with the collaborative and evolving nature of literature and the arts.

Frye's critique of the impact of copyright on literature and the arts invites reflection on the balance between protecting individual creators' rights and preserving the collective and evolving nature of cultural expression. While copyright laws play a crucial role in safeguarding creators' economic interests and incentivizing artistic production, they also raise questions about the boundaries of ownership and the public domain. In the context of literature, the tension between traditional, communal storytelling elements and the legal framework of copyright reflects broader debates about the balance between individual creativity and cultural heritage.

In conclusion, Northrop Frye's quote sheds light on the complex interplay between traditional literary elements and the legal framework of copyright. His commentary invites consideration of how copyright laws may impact the free flow of cultural expression and the balance between individual creativity and collective heritage in the realm of literature and the arts.

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