American Literature and American Identity: A Cognitive Cultural Study from the Civil War to the Twenty-First Century

Cognitive and affective science have become increasingly important for interpretation and explanation in the social sciences and humanities, but little of this work has addressed American literature, and virtually none has treated national identity formation in influential works since the Civil War. This book explores how authors imagined American identity in the face of the nations clear and often brutal inequalities of race, sex, and sexuality, examining the complex and often ambivalent treatment of American identity in works by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Eugene ONeill, Lillian Hellman, Djuna Barnes, Amiri Baraka, Margaret Atwood, N. Scott Momaday, Spike Lee, Leslie Marmon Silko, Tony Kushner, and Heidi Schreck.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In recent years, cognitive and affective science have gained significant importance in interpreting and explaining social sciences and humanities phenomena. However, American literature has received relatively limited attention in this field, and even fewer studies have explored the formation of national identity in influential works since the Civil War. In his book, Hogan expands on his previous cognitive and affective analyses of national identity, delving deeper into the ways in which it is intertwined with cross-cultural recurring patterns in story structure.

Hogan examines how authors envisioned American identity, often characterized as universal, democratic egalitarianism, in the face of the nation's profound and often brutal inequalities regarding race, sex, and sexuality. He explores the intricate and often contradictory treatment of American identity in the works of Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Eugene ONeill, Lillian Hellman, Djuna Barnes, Amiri Baraka, Margaret Atwood, N. Scott Momaday, Spike Lee, Leslie Marmon Silko, Tony Kushner, and Heidi Schreck.

Through a comprehensive analysis of these authors' works, Hogan sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of American identity, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. He explores how authors have used narrative techniques to convey and challenge notions of American identity, employing various symbols, motifs, and narrative structures to convey their messages. Hogan also examines the historical and cultural contexts in which these works were produced, analyzing how they reflect and contribute to the ongoing debate about American identity.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of cognitive and affective science by exploring the complex relationship between national identity and story structure. Hogan's insightful analysis provides a fresh perspective on American literature and national identity formation, offering valuable insights for scholars, researchers, and readers alike.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032125688