Latin American Literature in Transition 1800-1870: Volume 2

Latin American Literature in Transition 1800-1870 explores the countervailing forces that shaped Latin American literatures and cultures during the nineteenth century through the analytical tool of affect. It includes interdisciplinary approaches to nineteenth-century Latin American cultures and engages with the complex relationship between felt ideas of community and political changes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 410 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Latin American Literature in Transition, 1800-1870 employs the analytical tool of affect to delve into the intricate forces that shaped Latin American literatures and cultures during the first six decades of the nineteenth century. The book comprises chapters that offer diverse perspectives on colonial violence and its representation, the emergence of the national idea, the dynamics of communities within and beyond national borders, and the intersectional development of subjectivity during and after processes of cultural and political independence.

In addition to its multidisciplinary approach, the volume incorporates interdisciplinary approaches to nineteenth-century Latin American cultures, encompassing fields such as visual and art history, historiography, comparative literature, and the study of literary and popular print culture. By engaging with the complex and often paradoxical relationship between the felt ideas of community and the political transformations that shaped these affective networks and communities, the book offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the region's literary and cultural heritage.

The first chapter, "Violence and Representation in Latin American Colonialism," explores the ways in which colonial violence was both perpetrated and represented in Latin American literature. The authors analyze the various literary genres, including poetry, drama, and prose, to examine how writers responded to the experiences of oppression and resistance. They also discuss the role of visual imagery and symbolism in conveying the impact of violence and the struggles of the colonized.

The second chapter, "The National Idea and the Construction of Identity," examines the development of the national idea in Latin America and its impact on the formation of national identities. The authors explore the ways in which writers and intellectuals used literature and other cultural forms to articulate and promote a sense of national belonging and identity. They also examine the challenges and contradictions that emerged as different groups within Latin America sought to define their own distinct national identities.

The third chapter, "Communities Within and Beyond the Nation," explores the complex relationships between communities within and beyond national borders. The authors examine the ways in which cultural practices, languages, and traditions were shared and exchanged across borders, as well as the ways in which these interactions shaped the development of regional identities. They also discuss the role of colonialism and imperialism in creating and perpetuating divisions between different communities.

The fourth chapter, "The Development of Subjectivity in Latin American Literature," examines the intersectional development of subjectivity during and after processes of cultural and political independence. The authors explore the ways in which writers and intellectuals negotiated the complex and often conflicting demands of national identity, cultural heritage, and individual experience. They also discuss the role of gender, race, and class in shaping subjectivity and the ways in which these factors contributed to the formation of diverse literary and cultural traditions.

The fifth chapter, "Interdisciplinary Approaches to Nineteenth-Century Latin American Cultures," showcases the range of interdisciplinary approaches employed in the study of nineteenth-century Latin American cultures. The authors discuss the significance of visual and art history in understanding the cultural and artistic expressions of the period, as well as the role of historiography in documenting the historical context and social conditions that shaped Latin American literature and culture. They also highlight the contributions of comparative literature and the study of literary and popular print culture in exploring the interconnections.

In conclusion, Latin American Literature in Transition, 1800-1870 is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the complex and multifaceted forces that shaped Latin American literatures and cultures during the first six decades of the nineteenth century. Through its use of affect as an analytical tool, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the region's literary and cultural heritage, challenging traditional narratives and illuminating new perspectives on the past. By engaging with the complex and sometimes counterintuitive relationship between felt ideas of community and the political changes that shaped these affective networks and communities, the book offers valuable insights into the ongoing struggle for social and cultural justice in Latin America and beyond.

Weight: 720g
Dimension: 235 x 156 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009169455