Depersonalization and Creative Writing: Unreal City

Depersonalization is a psychological symptom that can affect healthy people at times of stress. "Unreal City" explores its influence on literature and the insights it can provide into the writing process. It argues that many literary texts evoke a similar psychological state and that creative writers can make use of the lessons learned from a study of depersonalization to arrive at a deeper understanding of writing.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Depersonalization is a psychological phenomenon that can cause individuals to feel disconnected from their own selves and the surrounding world. It is often associated with psychological disorders but can also occur in healthy individuals under high stress. This book explores the common symptom of depersonalization and its influence on literature. It begins with a first-hand account of the experience, arguing that many well-known literary texts, such as Camus' The Outsider and Sartre's Nausea, evoke a similar psychological state. The book then demonstrates how a concept of depersonalized writing can be found in the work of literary theorists from diverse traditions, including T.S. Eliot, Roland Barthes, and Viktor Shklovsky. Furthermore, it suggests that creative writers can utilize the insights gained from studying depersonalization to deepen their understanding of the writing process.

The controversial writing teachers' maxim, "show, don't tell," is often misapplied or misunderstood. However, this book proposes that it can be repurposed as a practical instruction for taking students' writing to a new level of sophistication and wisdom. By understanding the phenomenon of depersonalization, writers can learn to create more vivid and immersive narratives that engage their readers on a deeper emotional level. This approach can help students develop their writing skills and create works that are more meaningful and memorable.

In conclusion, Depersonalization and Creative Writing: Unreal City offers valuable insights into the common psychological symptom of depersonalization and its influence on literature. By exploring the concept of depersonalized writing and its application in the work of literary theorists, this book provides creative writers with a new perspective on the writing process. The maxim "show, don't tell" can be repurposed as a practical instruction for taking students' writing to a higher level of sophistication and wisdom. With this knowledge, students can create more compelling and meaningful works that resonate with their readers on a deeper emotional level.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367530686