Dark Conceit: The Making of Allegory

Dark Conceit is the first book in English to treat allegory seriously in terms of literary creation and criticism. It explores the methods and ideas that go into the making of allegory, discusses the misconceptions that have obscured the subject, and surveys the changing concept of allegory. The book focuses on the typical features of allegorical fiction, focusing on a group of Romantic and contemporary writers who continue the allegorical tradition in literature. Honigs thesis is that literary allegory is realistic in aim, giving proof to the physical and ethical realities of life objectively conceived.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2019
Publisher: Northwestern University Press

Dark Conceit is a groundbreaking work in English literature that delves into the realm of allegory with a profound and scholarly approach. This study explores the intricate methods and ideas employed in creating allegorical narratives, unearths the misconceptions that have clouded its understanding, and provides a comprehensive survey of the evolving concept of allegory.

The central focus of the book lies in examining the distinctive characteristics of allegorical fiction, particularly through the examination of a group of renowned Romantic and contemporary writers such as Melville, Hawthorne, and Kafka. These writers, along with figures like Lawrence, James, and Joyce, are considered modern counterparts to an earlier group of pastoral, evangelical, and satirical writers represented by figures like Spenser, Bunyan, and Swift.

At the heart of Honigs thesis is the assertion that literary allegory, while employing symbolic techniques, possesses a realistic objective. Its greatest strength lies in its ability to provide objective evidence of the physical and ethical realities of life, conceived in a manner that transcends mere symbolism. Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful exploration, Dark Conceit offers a profound insight into the power of allegory as a literary tool, shedding light on its enduring significance and relevance in the world of literature.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780810139497