Throughout the entire semester, maps have been extremely important, but as we gear up for our next major assignment, the Character Analysis – Map Argument, maps become even more so important. In Maps, by Moretti, the author questions the purpose of literary maps and whether or not they provide anything to our knowledge of literature. However, I argue that maps describe space and narrative, which makes them so unique. Throughout the past two novels, I was able to see the significance in maps as they relate to different time periods in London.
In Hawksmoor, the novel constantly switches back and forth between various time levels. However, by paying close attention to detail, the reader is able to map out the events within the novel. Ackroyd’s novel works as a literary map which can be used to trace the narrative of ‘The Great Architect’ because Ackroyd provides detailed locations to where Hawksmoor was raised, and where his churches are established, which can be located on a map. Places of birth and upbringing suggest one’s nature, and the locations of the churches, although they seem irrelevant, have geometric significance when mapped out.
Hawksmoor’s architecture played an even more important role in Campbell’s From Hell, an account of the Jack Ripper murders. Within the novel, there is a chapter in which Gull and Netley travel through London going from each one of Hawksmoor’s churches, in which Gull instructs Netley to map their journey as they go, as a way of teaching Netley Masonic principles. Once again I saw the geometric significance of the location of churches, but also throughout the novel, I got a better feel of the Victorian time period in London, with its prostitution and corruption, because as the scenes change, the actions of the people remained the same. From Hell also posed an important point as well regarding literary maps; that one’s nature shouldn’t always be based on where one lives. It was quite shocking that a man of such high stature was committing these acts of violence in the name of the Queen, even though he lived amongst the high society.
Although Moretti questions the significance of literary maps, I feel as though they are useful in understanding the story, because they provide the extra dimensions of space and narrative.
Mapping London 
I have also found the use of maps, and functions of different maps, to be very interesting. Prior to the readings and discussions we have had in class concerning maps, map spaces, and the functions they perform, I thought that they were for simply locating places. Since doing these readings (and especially since Hawksmoor, and our first project), I agree with your argument in literary maps being crucial in understanding the story. They definitely enhance the arguments, context, and story progression in every case that we have looked at so far.
I completely agree. Maps often create an argument and make stories seem less distant and abstract. For the first project, I analyzed a map about the coronation procession of Edward VI. The image not only shows the spatial relationship between the geography and buildings of London, but also tells a story, creating a dynamic portrait of an important day in London history. The map is shown on page 31 of London: A Life in Maps. By depicting the parade and the great mass of people watching it, the map argues that coronations were large-scale, dramatic spectacles. Large, elaborate buildings adorn the parade’s path, a battalion escorts the king, and the Thames is practically abandoned. All these details imply that coronations were events that couldn’t be ignored. Therefore, maps can act as arguments, enhancers of narrative. They pick up where words leave off.
I agree with Grant’s posting about the importance of maps in a literary analysis. By studying the locations and geometries behind the story, we are able to obtain a further understanding of the story as a whole. We can begin to observe the spatial relationships within the story by connecting one place to another. I have never before thought of text as a type of map, but Ackroyd utilizes the significance of the architecture to surface associations between multiple settings. In Hawksmoor, the different the story takes us through a literary map, as we can pinpoint multiple locations that are brought up. Coming into this class, I thought of maps only as visual representations of reality. However, I now know that maps do not have restrictions on how they can be portrayed.