Francesca Arnavas

Francesca Arnavas is a Research Fellow in Comparative Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Tartu’s Institute of Cultural Research, affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. Her work focuses on narrative theory, Victorian literature, cognitive narratology, and fairy tales, with a specialization in Lewis Carroll’s Alice books and their interdisciplinary implications. She holds a PhD from the University of York (2018) and has contributed to international conferences and publications, emphasizing cognitive approaches to literature and cultural dynamics.

• Education:
  • PhD in English and Related Literature, University of York (2015–2018)
  • Master’s in Economics and Management in Arts, Culture, Media, and Entertainment, University Bocconi (2009–2012)
  • BA in Philosophy, Università Ca’ Foscari Venice (2005–2008)

Research Interests: Arnavas explores narrative structures, cognitive approaches to literary analysis, and the intersection of Victorian literature with modern cultural dynamics. Her work bridges traditional literary studies with cognitive science, examining how narrative frameworks shape understanding of fictional worlds and human cognition. Key themes include fairy tale hybridity, uncanny elements in literature, and the evolution of narrative forms across media.

Projects: She leads or contributes to projects such as ‘Experimental Cultures of the 1980s–2020s’ (2024–2027) and ‘Unnatural Fairy Tales: A Cognitive Approach’ (2019–2021). Recent creative work includes an exhibition titled ‘Transforming Literary Places’ (2024) as part of Tartu’s European Capital of Culture events.

Awards: Recipient of the 2023 Kulka Scholarship from the Cultural Endowment of Estonia for creative academic activity.

Teaching and Advising: Taught courses on narrative theory and cognitive humanities. Supervised Laura Kiik’s BA thesis on narrative structures in Miyazaki’s films. Engaged in pedagogical training at the University of Tartu.

Publications: Authored monographs on Lewis Carroll and cognitive narratology, edited volumes on fairy tales, and numerous articles in journals like Marvels & Tales and Futures. Her work bridges literary analysis with interdisciplinary themes like eco-criticism and post-pandemic narrative futures.