Pattern Archaeology

René Girard had a take on discovering patterns in texts. Rather than imposing structures like his famous "Triangle of Desire" onto literature, he insisted these models were already present, waiting to be uncovered. For Girard, a critic's role wasn't to construct systems but to reveal them – like an archaeologist carefully brushing away sand to expose ancient artifacts. Even in what appears to be a chaotic mass of literature, he believed systematic thinking simply illuminates the hidden order that already exists within human civilization's creative output. It's not about invention, but revelation.