Bad Cities

This collection of 15 essays explores how American contemporary literature tackles the issue of urban violence, its relationship with the forerunners of the genre, and how its main features evolved over time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2022
Publisher: Mimesis International

This collection of 15 essays delves into the intricate exploration of American contemporary literature's response to urban violence, its historical connections with genre predecessors, and the dynamic evolution of its key features over time. Spanning from Larry Kramer's New York to Roth's Newark and Colla's Baghdad, these essays offer a comprehensive examination of the ways in which contemporary writers have grappled with the pervasive issue of urban unrest, its societal implications, and the evolving narratives that shape our understanding of this complex phenomenon.

The essays in this collection delve into the multifaceted examination of urban violence in American contemporary literature. They explore the historical connections between urban violence and earlier genre forms, such as realism and naturalism. The authors analyze how contemporary literature engages with the legacy of urban violence, both in terms of its impact on individuals and communities and its influence on the broader social and political landscape.

Furthermore, the essays examine the evolving features of urban violence in contemporary literature. They explore how writers have responded to the changing nature of urban violence, including the rise of gun violence, gang violence, and cyberbullying. The authors analyze how these forms of violence shape the narratives and characters of contemporary literature, as well as how they reflect and challenge societal attitudes towards violence.

One of the key themes that emerges from the essays is the complex relationship between urban violence and social inequality. The authors argue that urban violence is often a result of systemic issues, such as poverty, racism, and lack of access to education and healthcare. They explore how contemporary literature addresses these underlying social problems, both in terms of direct representation and indirect commentary.

Another theme that is explored in the essays is the role of individual agency and resilience in the face of urban violence. The authors highlight the stories of individuals who have survived or overcome urban violence, as well as the communities that have mobilized to address the issue. They analyze how these individuals and communities have sought to create change and promote peace in their communities, despite the challenges they face.

The essays in this collection also offer valuable insights into the cultural and historical contexts that shape urban violence in American contemporary literature. The authors examine how the urban landscape, the history of segregation and discrimination, and the impact of globalization have contributed to the prevalence of urban violence. They analyze how these factors have shaped the narratives and characters of contemporary literature, as well as how they have influenced the broader social and political discourse surrounding urban violence.

In conclusion, this collection of essays provides a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of urban violence in American contemporary literature. It offers valuable insights into the historical connections between urban violence and earlier genre forms, the evolving features of urban violence, the relationship between urban violence and social inequality, the role of individual agency and resilience, and the cultural and historical contexts that shape this phenomenon. The essays in this collection are a testament to the power of literature to address complex social issues and to contribute to our understanding of the world around us.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788869772818