Geographical Imaginations: Literature and the 'Spatial Turn'

The study of space, spatiality, geography, topography, and place in modern scholarship and teaching has been neglected, but recent criticism has shifted focus to where, as Michel Foucault declared the present time as the epoch of space. Literature reflects a spirit of place and a sense of place, and an interdisciplinary study of literature and geography is possible. The book offers an introduction to the diverse ways in which space, place, topography, and geography are represented in literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 140 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The study of space, spatiality, geography, topography, and place has often been overlooked in modern scholarship and teaching, as the dominant discourses in modern and postmodern literary criticism have been focused on history and temporality. However, in recent criticism, there has been a shift towards the "where" of literature, as Michel Foucault declared the present time as the epoch of space. Literature reflects a spirit of place and a sense of place because place is known and given meaning when it is felt and closely experienced by human beings living in it. This humanistic geographical emphasis on human experience of place opens up the possibility of an interdisciplinary study of literature and geography.

Literature creates and recreates geography in its own unique way, and there are various approaches to examining the literary representation of space and place. The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive introduction to these diverse ways in which space, place, topography, and geography manifest themselves in literature.

Space is a fundamental concept in the study of geography, as it refers to the physical dimensions and boundaries of the Earth. It encompasses the three dimensions of length, width, and height and is often described as the "third dimension" of the Earth. Space can be represented in various ways in literature, such as through the use of imagery, metaphor, and symbolism. For example, a writer may use descriptive language to create a sense of space, such as "the vast expanse of the ocean" or "the narrow alleyway between two buildings." Metaphor and symbolism can also be used to convey a sense of space, such as when a writer describes a character's emotions or thoughts as "expanding" or "contracting" in space.

Place is another crucial concept in the study of geography, as it refers to the specific location and characteristics of a place. It encompasses the physical, cultural, and social aspects of a place and is often described as the "fourth dimension" of the Earth. Place can be represented in various ways in literature, such as through the use of setting, character, and narrative. For example, a writer may use setting to create a sense of place, such as a specific time period or geographical location. Character can also be used to convey a sense of place, such as when a character's background or experiences contribute to their understanding of a particular place. Narrative can also be used to convey a sense of place, such as when a story takes place in a particular setting or involves characters who are deeply connected to a particular place.

Topography is the study of the physical features of the Earth's surface, including mountains, valleys, rivers, and lakes. It is often described as the "second dimension" of the Earth and is closely related to the study of geography. Topography can be represented in various ways in literature, such as through the use of description, imagery, and symbolism. For example, a writer may use description to create a sense of topography, such as "the steep slope of the mountain" or "the winding river that flows place." Imagery can also be used to convey a sense of topography, such as when a writer describes a character's physical journey through a particular landscape. Symbolism can also be used to convey a sense of topography, such as when a writer uses natural imagery to represent a character's emotional or psychological state.

Geography is the study of the relationships between people and their environment, including the distribution of resources, the movement.
Geography is the study of the relationships between people and their environment, including the distribution of resources, the patterns of human settlement and movement, and the interactions between different cultures and environments. It is often described as the "third dimension" of the Earth and is closely related to the study of history and culture. Geography can be represented in various ways in literature, such as through the use of setting, character, and narrative. For example, a writer may use setting to create a sense of geography, such as a specific time period or geographical location. Character can also be used to convey a sense of geography, such as when a character's background or experiences contribute to their understanding of a particular place. Narrative can also be used to convey a sense of geography, such as when a story takes place in a particular setting or involves characters who are deeply connected to a particular place.

In conclusion, the study of space, spatiality, geography, topography, and place has often been neglected in modern scholarship and teaching, as the dominant discourses in modern and postmodern literary criticism have been focused on history and temporality. However, in recent criticism, there has been a shift towards the "where" of literature, as Michel Foucault declared the present time as the epoch of space. Literature reflects a spirit. A sense of place and a spirit of place because place is known and given meaning when it is felt and closely experienced by human beings living in it. This humanistic geographical emphasis on human experience of place opens up the possibility of an interdisciplinary study of literature and geography. Literature creates and recreates geography in its own unique way, and there are various approaches to examining the literary representation of space and place. The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive introduction to these diverse ways in which space, place, topography, and geography manifest themselves in literature.

Weight: 310g
Dimension: 223 x 145 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192869043