From Narcissism to Nihilism: Self-Love and Self-Negation in Early Modern Literature

The book explores how the myth of Narcissus became an ambivalent symbol of humanistic endeavour, articulating the conflicts of early modern authorship. It shows how the themes of self-love and self-negation developed into something distinctive in the sixteenth century, encompassing topics such as poverty, unrequited love, transgressive sexuality, sexual violence, suicidality, self-worth, authorship, religious penitence, martyrdom, courtly ambition, and tyranny. Writers attempted to negotiate between the polarised extremes of self-love and self-negation, realising that they are fundamental to how we respond to each other, our selves, and the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate and multifaceted tale of Narcissus, a myth that encapsulates the profound complexities of human existence. It explores the intricate interplay between self-love, self-destruction, desire, death, beauty, and pain, transforming it into an ambivalent symbol of humanistic endeavor. Within the realm of early modern literature, there emerged a fascinating blend of self-congratulation and self-doubt, often bordering on narcissism and nihilism. The themes of self-love and self-negation, which have a rich history in Western thought, took on a distinctively modern hue in the sixteenth century. This book meticulously traces the evolution of these themes, highlighting how they intertwined to shape the literary landscape of the time.

The scope of these themes is vast, encompassing a wide range of subjects such as poverty, unrequited love, transgressive sexuality, sexual violence, suicidality, self-worth, authorship, religious penitence, martyrdom, courtly ambition, and tyranny. Through the meticulous analysis of over 100 texts from the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, the author demonstrates how early modern writers navigated a culture characterized by conflicting forces, pulling them towards self-affirmation or self-erasure. Recognizing the inherent significance of these themes in our response to each other, our selves, and the world, writers sought to navigate the delicate balance between self-love and self-negation.

This book offers a profound exploration of the human condition, shedding light on the complexities of our desires, motivations, and relationships. It challenges readers to reflect on the nature of self-love, its potential for both positive and negative outcomes, and the ways in which it shapes our interactions with the world around us. By examining the myth of Narcissus through the lens of early modern literature, this book provides a valuable contribution to the study of humanistic endeavor and offers insights into the enduring conflicts of authorship in the early modern period.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032195414