Emotions in Non-Fictional Representations of the Individual, 1600-1850: Between East and West

This book explores how emotions are expressed in non-fictional texts from the 17th to the 19th century, comparing texts from different cultures and genres. It argues that passions and emotions are differently expressed in non-fictional texts than in fiction, and offers a comparative study of texts from English, French, Korean, and Chinese cultures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 199 pages
Publication date: 21 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the diverse representations of emotions in non-fictional texts from the seventeenth to the mid-nineteenth century (1600-1850). By examining memoirs, autobiographies, correspondences, and conduct manuals, it compellingly argues that passions and emotions are expressed differently in these writings compared to fiction. Furthermore, the book conducts a comparative study of texts from various cultures, including English, French, Korean, and Chinese, exploring the interplay of emotions and genre, identity, and morality during the significant cultural transformations of the early modern period.

What sets this book apart is its unique selection of non-fictional genres, spanning a century, and its cross-cultural approach. It offers valuable insights to scholars interested in exploring emotion as a historical and cultural phenomenon, as well as in expanding their understanding of a burgeoning field: the study of self-narratives, encompassing autobiography, memoirs, dream narratives, letters, and more, which has often been under-explored in earlier historical periods.

The book's chapters are organized thoughtfully, each providing a thorough exploration of the representations of emotions in non-fictional texts during the specified period. It employs a rich array of analytical tools, including close reading, cultural analysis, and theoretical frameworks, to unravel the complex tapestry of emotions expressed in these writings. By examining the ways in which emotions are shaped by social, cultural, and historical contexts, the book sheds light on the ways in which individuals negotiated their experiences and expressed their identities within the broader societal framework.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of historical studies, offering a fresh perspective on the representation of emotions in non-fictional texts. It will be of immense interest to scholars, students, and anyone passionate about exploring the complexities of human experience and the role of emotions in shaping our understanding of the past.

Weight: 283g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030840075
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021