An obvious model for generic development is some form of evolutionary process. Wellek is unhappy with this idea, since it is possible that a writer may reverse the development consciously and use archaic conventions. On the other hand, it is clear that there is development, and so the literary critic needs to establish literary relationships between the various authors and works.75 Fowler, however, rejects Wellek’s dismissal of evolutionary concepts. Genre evolves in the way
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