Contemporary Second- and Third-Person Autobiographical Writing: Narrating the Male Self

This book explores the use of the second- and third-person perspectives in Anglophone autobiographical narratives by canonical male writers, examining the aesthetic, rhetorical, and ethical implications of this choice. It engages with questions of subjectivity, relationality, distance, and proximity, and traces guiding principles used by the authors to navigate their self-narratives in relation to others. The book also considers the socio-political and cultural context of these narratives and their response to questions of male agency, self-stylization, and celebrity status.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the fascinating world of 21st-century uses of the second- and third-person perspectives in Anglophone autobiographical narratives by canonical male writers. Through meticulous and in-depth readings of contemporary autobiographical works by renowned authors such as Paul Auster, Julian Barnes, J.M. Coetzee, and Salman Rushdie, the study unveils the profound aesthetic, rhetorical, and ethical implications of the choice of narrative perspective. Moreover, it takes a daring step by articulating the self from a perspective that deviates from the conventional first-person point of view, adding a unique and thought-provoking dimension to the autobiographical genre.

Drawing upon the rich tapestry of rhetorical narratology and autobiography theory, the book engages in a profound exploration of the intricate questions and tensions surrounding subjectivity and relationality. It delves into the intricate interplay of distance and proximity that arises from the chosen narrative perspective, shedding light on its profound effects on the relationship between the autobiographer, the text, and the reader. Furthermore, the book uncovers the guiding principles that these authors employ to navigate their self-narratives in relation to others, encompassing themes such as embodiment, visibility, grief, ethics, and politics.

By situating the narratives within their socio-political and cultural context, the book unveils the extent to which these autobiographical narratives reflect the authors' positions between self-withdrawal and self-promotion, as well as their responses to the critical issues of male agency, self-stylization, and celebrity status. This insightful exploration offers a rich tapestry of insights and perspectives, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of self-narrative and the broader cultural landscape of the 21st century.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032385044