Hyperobject Reading, Scale Variance, and American Fiction in the Anthropocene

This book proposes a model of reading called "hyperobject reading" that focuses on the large-scale problems and phenomena of the Anthropocene, drawing on narratology, reader-response theory, and object-oriented ontology. It intervenes in critical disability studies, technological evolution, analogue vs. digital subjectivity, and autofiction debates. The analytical conclusion sketches the conceptual anatomy of the hyperobject and three possible responses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 26 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book presents a novel approach to reading called "hyperobject reading," which aims to bridge the vast chasm between humans and humanity at the scale of the Anthropocene. By concentrating on the underlying large-scale problems and phenomena that shape our world, hyperobject reading seeks to forge a deeper connection between us and our environment. Drawing upon a range of theoretical frameworks, including narratology, reader-response theory, and more recent developments such as the postcritical turn and object-oriented ontology, this approach offers a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of our contemporary world.

In the theoretical introduction, the author lays out the foundational principles of hyperobject reading. Chapter 2 delves into critical disability studies and engages in discussions about the ecosomatic paradigm. Chapter 3 explores the debates surrounding technological evolution, the distinction between analogue and digital subjectivity, and the role of affect theory in shaping our understanding of the world. Chapter 4 intervenes in discussions about autofiction, contemporary metafiction, and the position and role of the narrator in first-person narratives where the boundaries between the narrator and the protagonist become blurred.

The analytical conclusion provides a conceptual framework for understanding hyperobjects and presents three possible responses to their implications. Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the importance of effective real-world strategies for addressing the challenges posed by hyperobjects. Literary success, in their view, can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for developing such strategies.

In conclusion, "hyperobject reading" offers a transformative perspective on reading and understanding the world we live in. By focusing on the large-scale problems and phenomena that shape our existence, this approach encourages us to develop a deeper sense of connection and responsibility towards our environment. Through its interdisciplinary approach and engagement with a range of theoretical frameworks, hyperobject reading provides a valuable tool for navigating the complexities of the Anthropocene and for building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031256387
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023