Human Tissue in the Realist Novel, 1850-1895

This Pivot examines the realist novel in the second half of the nineteenth century through the lens of human tissue, arguing for a new approach that combines biology, literature, and questions of layering. It demonstrates the significance of this methodology in the Victorian period, when the application of 'tissue to biology first emerges, through original readings of Charles Kingsley, George Eliot, Emile Zola, and two English-language writers he influenced.

Format: Hardback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This Pivot engages with the ongoing discussions surrounding anthropocentrism and the Anthropocene to suggest a fresh perspective on the realist novel in the second half of the nineteenth century. Through three case studies, it advocates for the use of 'human tissue' as a conceptual tool for reading that combines biology, literature, and inquiries into layering. This novel approach proves particularly relevant to the Victorian period, when the application of 'tissue to biology' initially emerges. The book stands out for its unique approach in bringing together theoretical considerations of realism and the Anthropocene, two prominent topics in literary criticism, and presenting a novel methodology to explore this intersection, exemplified through original readings of Charles Kingsley, George Eliot, and Emile Zola, as well as two English-language writers influenced by them (George Moore and Vernon Lee).

Introduction:
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the relationship between human beings and the natural world, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene, a period marked by human-induced environmental degradation and climate change. This has led to a reevaluation of our understanding of human nature and our place in the world. At the same time, the realist novel, a genre that emerged in the late nineteenth century, has been receiving renewed attention from scholars and critics alike. The realist novel, characterized by its attention to detail, realism, and social commentary, has long been seen as a tool for exploring the complexities of human experience and society.

Anthropocentrism and the Anthropocene:
Anthropocentrism, the belief that human beings are the center of the universe and that all other forms of life are subordinate to them, has been a dominant ideology in Western culture for centuries. However, in recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the limitations of this perspective, particularly in the face of the devastating effects of human activity on the environment. The Anthropocene has brought to light the extent to which human beings have altered the natural world, from climate change to biodiversity loss, and the impact this has on human societies.

Reappraisal of the Realist Novel:
In response to these challenges, this Pivot proposes a reappraisal of the realist novel in the second half of the nineteenth century. It argues that the realist novel can be a valuable tool for exploring the complex relationship between human beings and the natural world, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene. Through three case studies, it demonstrates how the realist novel can be used to explore the intersection of biology, literature, and questions of layering.

Case Studies:
The first case study examines the novel "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair, a novel that exposes the brutal conditions of industrialization and the exploitation of workers in the Chicago meatpacking industry. Sinclair's novel is a powerful critique of capitalism and the dehumanization of workers, and it is particularly relevant to the themes of the Anthropocene. Through his portrayal of the brutal conditions of the meatpacking industry, Sinclair highlights the ways in which human beings have altered the natural world and the impact this has on human health and well-being.

The second case study examines the novel "The Time Machine" by H.G. Wells, a novel that explores the potential consequences of human-induced climate change. Wells's novel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked. of human-induced climate change and the need for humans to take responsibility for their actions. Through his portrayal of a future world ravaged by climate change, Wells highlights the ways in which human beings have altered the natural world and the impact this has on human society and culture.

The third case study examines the novel "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, a novel that explores the aftermath of a global pandemic that has wiped out most of humanity. McCarthy's novel is a bleak portrayal of a world in which human beings are forced to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Through his portrayal of the struggles of the protagonist and his family to survive in a world without resources, McCarthy highlights the ways in which human beings have altered the natural world and the impact this has on human society and culture.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this Pivot argues that the realist novel can be a valuable tool for exploring the complex relationship between human beings and the natural world, particularly in the context of the Anthropocene. Through three case studies, it demonstrates how the realist novel can be used to explore the intersection of biology, literature, and questions of layering. By using the concept of 'human tissue' as a conceptual tool for reading, the realist novel can provide a fresh perspective on the complexities of human experience and society, and it can help us to better understand the impact of human activity on the natural world.

Weight: 289g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031266393
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023