Triangulating the Parasite

Scholars in the humanities interested in how the fertile concept of the parasite can shed light on works of literature and other cultural products, have several theoretical resources they can draw upon. This article compares three of the most important ones, in order to discuss their similarities and differences, and also to bring out their respective strengths and weaknesses: the deconstructive philosophy of Jacques Derrida, Michel Serres’ work, and advances in biological thought following from Leigh Van Valen’s so-called »Red Queen hypothesis«. Even if Serres offers a more comprehensive understanding of the parasite than does Derrida, the latter’s insights are still needed. As I argue in the article, the reason is that they can help counter an unfortunate tendency in Serres’ writings that has led to his book The Parasite being read in two opposed, but equally problematical ways. My central claim is that the most productive starting point for a better theory of the parasite is to be found in the triangulation of insights from Serres, Derrida, and the Red Queen.