A Question of Time: American Literature from Colonial Encounter to Contemporary Fiction

This book explores the representation of time in American literature across genres, methodologies, and chronological periods, highlighting the role of time in shaping textual representations and providing readers with a comprehensive view of its significance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 363 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This comprehensive book brings together a distinguished group of scholars in American literature to explore the diverse representations of time across a wide range of genres, methodologies, and historical periods. American literature, with its deep fascination with history, modernity, and progress, offers a rich tapestry of texts for examining the intricate relationship between time and literature.

Within the pages of this book, esteemed critics delve into the intricate ways in which time manifests itself in various textual representations, including Native American rituals, Shaker dances, novels, poetry, and magazines. By examining these diverse sources, the essays provide readers with a comprehensive and multifaceted understanding of time's essential role in American literature.

The book is structured into four compelling sections: Materializing Time, Performing Time, Timing Time, and Theorizing Time. Each section adopts a distinct approach to the study of time, yet when considered as a whole, the volume unveils unexpected temporal patterns that transcend time periods and genres.

Through their insightful analyses, the contributors shed light on the ways in which time is constructed, manipulated, and experienced within American literature. They examine how authors use temporal elements to convey themes, create suspense, and establish a sense of place and identity. The essays also explore the historical and cultural contexts that shape the representation of time, highlighting the ways in which different periods and genres contribute to our understanding of the passing of time.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of time and literature. It offers a rich and nuanced perspective on the complex interplay between time and American literature, providing a deeper understanding of the literary and cultural significance of time in shaping our understanding of the world.

ISBN-13: 9781108437103