Autofiction, Emotions, and Humour: A Playfully Serious Affective Mode

Autofiction is often associated with humor, irony, and play, but it can also address serious subject matter. This volume explores how autofictional texts use humor and play in a productive and meaningful way to tackle issues such as human rights violations, historical and collective trauma, and struggle with psychological or physical illness and abuse.

Format: Hardback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Autofiction, a genre that often incorporates elements of humor, irony, and play, has faced criticism for its perceived lack of seriousness or for failing to engage with a given topic directly and in the author's voice. However, it is important to note that not all autofictional texts are solely or primarily playful. In fact, many employ humor and irony to address profound and serious subject matter. This volume aims to explore the interplay between these seemingly opposing characteristics in autofictional texts.

The contributions in this volume demonstrate that autofictional texts frequently utilize humor and play in a productive and meaningful way. They address a wide range of issues, including human rights violations, historical and collective trauma, personal struggles with psychological or physical illness and abuse. Through geographically diverse case studies, encompassing texts from South America, South Africa, the United States, and Europe, this book explores how autofictional texts reveal the authors' complex and often painful psychological experiences and engage the emotions of their readers.

Originally published as a special issue of the journal "Life Writing," this book offers valuable insights into the world of autofiction and its ability to convey profound truths about the human condition. It sheds light on the ways in which authors use humor and play to navigate difficult subjects and evoke empathy and understanding from their readers. Whether through the portrayal of characters, the use of narrative techniques, or the exploration of themes, autofictional texts have the power to challenge societal norms, question established narratives, and offer new perspectives on the human experience.

In conclusion, autofiction is a genre that defies simple categorization and offers a rich and diverse range of literary expressions. While it is often associated with humor, irony, and play, it is also capable of addressing profound and serious subject matter. This volume explores the complex interplay between these characteristics in autofictional texts and demonstrates their potential to engage readers on a deep emotional level. By examining the contributions of various authors and case studies, this book provides valuable insights into the world of autofiction and its role in shaping our understanding of the human experience.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032411064