Allegorical Moments: Call to the Everyday

Allegorical Moments is a collection of essays that argue for the importance of allegory as a creative and critical response to sociopolitical, environmental, and existential turmoil. It presents modern and contemporary materials ranging from the novel to poetry to painting and cinema to activist poetry of the Occupy movement, and seeks to liberate allegory from its dogmatic usages. Hejinian's scholarship looks back to experimental modernism and forward into a future for a vital, wayward poetry resistant to the crushing global effects of neoliberalism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2023
Publisher: Wesleyan University Press

Allegorical Moments is a captivating collection of essays that delves into the realm of allegory, exploring its profound significance as a catalyst for transformative thinking in the face of sociopolitical, environmental, and existential challenges that plague the contemporary world. Traditionally, allegory was employed to convey orthodox beliefs and support specific ideologies. However, in this groundbreaking work, author Hejinian seeks to liberate allegory from its dogmatic confines, employing it as a versatile and dynamic tool for artistic expression and critical inquiry.

The essays in Allegorical Moments present a diverse range of modern and contemporary materials, spanning from novels to poetry, painting, cinema, and even activist poetry of the Occupy movement. Each essay in the book begins with a fresh perspective, employing different materials to unravel the complexities of allegory. Through this innovative approach, Hejinian's scholarship takes a retrospective look at experimental modernism and casts a visionary gaze toward a future where allegory thrives as a vital and rebellious poetry, resilient against the devastating global impacts of neoliberalism.

In the opening essay, "Allegory and the Contemporary," Hejinian establishes the groundwork for his exploration by defining allegory as a mode of thinking that "seeks to reveal the hidden connections and patterns that underlie the surface of things." He argues that allegory has the power to challenge our assumptions, provoke introspection, and inspire creative responses to the challenges we face. By exploring the historical and cultural contexts in which allegory has been employed, Hejinian highlights its potential to transcend boundaries and engage with a wide range of audiences.

The subsequent essays in Allegorical Moments delve into various aspects of allegory and its relevance in the contemporary world. In "Allegory and the Natural World," Hejinian examines how allegory can be used to convey the interconnectedness of human beings and the natural world, highlighting the ecological crisis and the urgent need for sustainable practices. Through the lens of environmental activism, he explores how allegory can inspire a sense of urgency and mobilize individuals toward collective action.

In "Allegory and the Political," Hejinian explores how allegory can be employed to critique and challenge power structures. He examines the role of allegory in the works of political theorists such as Hannah Arendt and Slavoj Žižek, highlighting its ability to expose the underlying mechanisms of oppression and challenge dominant ideologies. By employing allegory as a tool for political analysis, Hejinian encourages readers to think critically about the social and political systems that shape our lives.

The essays in Allegorical Moments also touch upon the role of allegory in artistic expression. In "Allegory and the Visual Arts," Hejinian explores how artists have used allegory to convey complex ideas and emotions, from the surrealist paintings of Salvador Dalí to the films of Quentin Tarantino. He argues that allegory can be a powerful tool for subverting dominant narratives and challenging societal norms. Through the analysis of specific works of art, Hejinian demonstrates how allegory can evoke a deeper understanding of the human experience and inspire empathy and compassion.

The final essay in Allegorical Moments, "Allegory and the Future," takes a visionary approach to the future of allegory. Hejinian argues that allegory has the potential to shape our collective imagination and inspire a sense of hope and possibility in the face of adversity. By exploring the role of allegory in the works of science fiction and speculative fiction, he demonstrates how allegory can be used to envision a better future and explore the ethical and philosophical implications of emerging technologies.

In conclusion, Allegorical Moments is a groundbreaking collection of essays that offers a fresh perspective on allegory and its significance in the contemporary world. Through its exploration of diverse materials and innovative approaches, the book challenges traditional notions of allegory and encourages readers to think critically and creatively about the challenges we face. By employing allegory as a catalyst for transformative thinking, Hejinian offers a vision for a future where poetry thrives as a vital and rebellious force, resilient against the crushing global effects of neoliberalism.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780819580849