Climate Change and the Contemporary Novel

Climate change is a major theme in contemporary novels, as authors reflect concerns in wider society. This book shows that fiction has the potential to challenge us, emotionally and ethically, to reconsider our relationship to the future, focusing on the dominant theme of intergenerational ethics.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 196 pages
\n Publication date: 21 March 2019
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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Climate change has emerged as a central theme in contemporary literature, as authors delve into the concerns of society at large. Given the urgency and magnitude of this global issue, can literature, and the emotional responses it elicits, play a role in addressing the complex ethical dilemmas arising from climate change? This book argues that conventional fictional techniques should not be dismissed as insufficient to meet the challenges posed by climate change. Instead, fiction possesses the potential to challenge us emotionally and ethically, prompting us to reevaluate our relationship with the future.

Adeline Johns-Putra delves into the dominant theme of intergenerational ethics in the contemporary novel, emphasizing our obligation to future generations as a driving force behind environmental action. Rather than portraying parenthood and posterity in sentimental terms, climate change literature employs their emotional appeal to critique anthropocentricism and identity politics, offering radical alternatives.

Through her analysis, Johns-Putra demonstrates how climate change novels challenge our assumptions and beliefs, offering a fresh perspective on the urgent need for sustainable practices and a more inclusive and equitable world. By exploring the emotional dimensions of climate change, these works encourage readers to engage with the issue on a deeper level, fostering a sense of responsibility and urgency for action.

In conclusion, climate change is a pressing issue that requires innovative thinking and collective action. By leveraging the power of literature, we can engage with the ethical dimensions of climate change, challenge our perspectives, and inspire a collective response to this global challenge. Through the exploration of intergenerational ethics and the emotional appeal of climate change narratives, we can work towards a more sustainable and equitable future for generations to come.

\n Weight: 432g\n
Dimension: 227 x 152 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108427371\n \n