Animal Writing: Storytelling, Selfhood and the Limits of Empathy

Danielle Sands combines animal studies, critical plant studies, and new materialisms to propose a method of thinking of and with animals.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 224 pages
\n Publication date: 31 May 2021
\n Publisher: Edinburgh University Press
\n

In her groundbreaking work, Danielle Sands delves into the captivating world of fiction, intertwining the latest insights from animal studies, critical plant studies, and the emerging field of new materialisms. By carefully examining the works of renowned authors such as Yann Martel, Karen Joy Fowler, Han Kang, and Jim Crace, alongside the profound philosophies of Graham Harman, Donna Haraway, Jacques Derrida, and Roger Caillois, Sands offers a novel approach to thinking about and engaging with animals.

Through her meticulous analysis, Sands unravels the intricate connections between literature, philosophy, and the natural world, shedding light on the complex interplay between humans and nonhuman creatures. She explores the ethical implications of our relationships with animals, challenging traditional notions of human superiority and promoting a more empathetic and inclusive perspective. Sands' work is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary scholarship, as she seamlessly weaves together diverse disciplines to offer a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the animal kingdom.

In the first chapter, Sands takes us on a journey through the fictional landscapes of Yann Martel's "Life of Pi," Karen Joy Fowler's "The Jane Goodall Effect," Han Kang's "The Vegetarian," and Jim Crace's "The Road." By closely examining the characters and narratives of these works, Sands highlights the ways in which animals are portrayed and the roles they play in shaping the human experience. She explores the concept of animal consciousness, questioning whether animals possess subjective experiences and emotions and discussing the ethical implications of our treatment of them.

In the second chapter, Sands delves into the philosophical foundations of her study. She examines the works of Graham Harman, Donna Haraway, Jacques Derrida, and Roger Caillois, exploring their ideas about the nature of consciousness, the relationship between humans and animals, and the role of technology in shaping our understanding of the world. Sands argues that these thinkers offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics between humans and animals, and she proposes a method of thinking of and with animals that is grounded in empathy, respect, and a recognition of their inherent worth.

In the third chapter, Sands applies her proposed method of thinking of and with animals to real-world situations. She examines the ethical implications of animal testing, factory farming, and the use of animals in entertainment. She argues that these practices often exploit and harm animals, and she proposes alternative approaches that prioritize the well-being and dignity of nonhuman creatures. Sands' work is a call to action, urging readers to reevaluate their relationships with animals and to work towards a more compassionate and sustainable world.

In conclusion, Danielle Sands' work is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of literature, philosophy, and the natural world. Through her meticulous analysis and thoughtful approach, she offers a novel method of thinking about and engaging with animals, challenging traditional notions of human superiority and promoting a more empathetic and inclusive perspective. Sands' work is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary scholarship and a call to action for readers to embrace a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom and work towards a more compassionate and sustainable world.
In her groundbreaking work, Danielle Sands delves into the captivating world of fiction, intertwining the latest insights from animal studies, critical plant studies, and the emerging field of new materialisms. By carefully examining the works of renowned authors such as Yann Martel, Karen Joy Fowler, Han Kang, and Jim Crace, alongside the profound philosophies of Graham Harman, Donna Haraway, Jacques Derrida, and Roger Caillois, Sands offers a novel approach to thinking about and engaging with animals.

Through her meticulous analysis, Sands unravels the intricate connections between literature, philosophy, and the natural world, shedding light on the complex interplay between humans and nonhuman creatures. She explores the ethical implications of our relationships with animals, challenging traditional notions of human superiority and promoting a more empathetic and inclusive perspective. Sands' work is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary scholarship, as she seamlessly weaves together diverse disciplines to offer a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on the animal kingdom.

In the first chapter, Sands takes us on a journey through the fictional landscapes of Yann Martel's "Life of Pi," Karen Joy Fowler's "The Jane Goodall Effect," Han Kang's "The Vegetarian," and Jim Crace's "The Road." By closely examining the characters and narratives of these works, Sands highlights the ways in which animals are portrayed and the roles they play in shaping the human experience. She explores the concept of animal consciousness, questioning whether animals possess subjective experiences and emotions and discussing the ethical implications of our treatment of them.

In the second chapter, Sands delves into the philosophical foundations of her study. She examines the works of Graham Harman, Donna Haraway, Jacques Derrida, and Roger Caillois, exploring their ideas about the nature of consciousness, the relationship between humans and animals, and the role of technology in shaping our understanding of the world. Sands argues that these thinkers offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics between humans and animals, and she proposes a method of thinking of and with animals that is grounded in empathy, respect, and a recognition of their inherent worth.

In the third chapter, Sands applies her proposed method of thinking of and with animals to real-world situations. She examines the ethical implications of animal testing, factory farming, and the use of animals in entertainment. She argues that these practices often exploit and harm animals, and she proposes alternative approaches that prioritize the well-being and dignity of nonhuman creatures. Sands' work is a call to action, urging readers to reevaluate their relationships with animals and to work towards a more compassionate and sustainable world.

In conclusion, Danielle Sands' work is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of literature, philosophy, and the natural world. Through her meticulous analysis and thoughtful approach, she offers a novel method of thinking about and engaging with animals, challenging traditional notions of human superiority and promoting a more empathetic and inclusive perspective. Sands' work is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary scholarship and a call to action for readers to embrace a deeper understanding of the animal kingdom and work towards a more compassionate and sustainable world.

\n Weight: 348g\n
Dimension: 154 x 232 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781474439046\n \n