Genre Transgressions: Dialogues on Tragedy and Comedy

This collection of essays explores innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to genre theory in the 21st century, focusing on the interaction between tragedy and comedy. It proposes a shift away from prescriptive and hierarchical readings of genre to its function in shaping thought and enabling shared experience and communication.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This collection is a vibrant and thought-provoking exploration of Genre Theory in the 21st century. It brings together a diverse range of renowned and emerging scholarly and creative voices from philosophy, theater, literature, and cultural studies to engage in dialogues that redefine genre as social, communal, and affective. The volume challenges the traditional boundaries of aesthetic categorization and proposes a shift towards a more dynamic and inclusive understanding of genre. By acknowledging the diverse contexts within which genre operates, such as media studies, rhetoric, politics, performance, and philosophy, the essays in this volume explore the ways in which genre shapes thought, enables shared experiences, and fosters communication.

The collection begins by exploring the complex relationship between tragedy and comedy, two genres that have long been intertwined in human culture. Renowned scholars and creative voices delve into the ways in which these genres shape our understanding of the world, evoke emotions, and prompt us to reflect on our own lives. They argue that tragedy and comedy can be seen as social and communal phenomena, as they often reflect the values and norms of a particular society or culture.

Furthermore, the collection explores the role of genre in shaping thought and enabling shared experience and communication. The essays acknowledge the power of genre to challenge prescriptive notions of what it means to be a woman, a man, a black person, or a member of a marginalized community. They argue that genre can be used as a tool for resistance and empowerment, as it allows individuals to express their identities and experiences in unique and meaningful ways.

The collection also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to genre theory. The essays draw on a range of theoretical frameworks, including feminist theory, postcolonial theory, and queer theory, to analyze the ways in which genre operates and shapes our understanding of the world. They argue that genre is not just a matter of aesthetics but also of power and politics, and that it is essential to consider the social and cultural contexts in which genre is produced and consumed.

In conclusion, this collection is a must-read for anyone interested in the study of genre in the 21st century. It offers a fresh and innovative perspective on genre theory, challenging traditional boundaries and promoting a more dynamic and inclusive understanding of the role of genre in shaping thought, enabling shared experience, and fostering communication.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367218300