Literature Beyond the Human: Post-Anthropocentric Brazil

The first collection of essays in English dedicated to investigating Brazilian literature from the perspective of the environmental humanities, animal studies, Anthropocene studies, and other critical and theoretical perspectives that question the centrality of the human. It includes 15 chapters by leading scholars covering two centuries of Brazilian literary production, from Gonçalves Dias to Astrid Cabral, and highlights the theoretical potential of Brazilian thought to contribute to contemporary debates in the anglophone realm.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The writings of Clarice Lispector offer valuable insights into our understanding of the Anthropocene, a period marked by significant human-induced environmental changes. Through her intricate narratives and profound observations of human relationships, Lispector explores the complex interplay between human beings and their environment, shedding light on the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise in this era.

One of the key themes in Lispector's work is the relationship between race and the treatment of animals. In her novel "The Green House," for example, she examines the exploitation and abuse of black slaves by their white masters, highlighting the intersectionality of race and speciesism. Through her characters, Lispector challenges the notion that humans are inherently superior to other animals and exposes the cruelty and injustice that can result from the dehumanization of others.

Another important aspect of Lispector's writings is her exploration of the relationship between environmental degradation and the production of knowledge. In her essay "The Garden of Earthly Delights," she argues that the destruction of the natural world is not merely an ecological crisis but also a cultural and intellectual one. She suggests that the dominant Western worldview, which prioritizes human progress and economic growth, is deeply flawed and contributes to the environmental crisis. By challenging this worldview, Lispector encourages readers to consider alternative perspectives and to develop a more holistic understanding of the world.

In addition to her literary contributions, Clarice Lispector was also a philosopher and leader in the Indigenous community. Her work emphasized the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through her teachings, Lispector encouraged Indigenous communities to reclaim their traditional knowledge and practices in order to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

Overall, Clarice Lispector's writings provide a rich and nuanced perspective on the Anthropocene, race, the treatment of animals, and the relationship between environmental degradation and the production of knowledge. By exploring these themes through her literary and philosophical work, Lispector encourages readers to think critically about the world around them and to work towards a more sustainable and just future.

The first collection of essays in English dedicated to an investigation of Brazilian literature from the viewpoint of the environmental humanities, animal studies, Anthropocene studies, and other critical and theoretical perspectives that question the centrality of the human is Literature Beyond the Human. This volume includes 15 chapters by leading scholars covering two centuries of Brazilian literary production, from Gonçalves Dias to Astrid Cabral, from Euclides da Cunha to Davi Kopenawa, and others. By underscoring the vast theoretical potential of Brazilian literature and thought, from the influential Modernist thesis of "cultural cannibalism" (antropofagia) to the renewed interest in Amerindian perspectivism in culture, Post-Anthropocentric Brazil shows how the theoretical strength of Brazilian thought can contribute to contemporary debates in the anglophone realm.

The writings of Clarice Lispector offer valuable insights into our understanding of the Anthropocene, a period marked by significant human-induced environmental changes. Through her intricate narratives and profound observations of human relationships, Lispector explores the complex interplay between human beings and their environment, shedding light on the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise in this era.

One of the key themes in Lispector's work is the relationship between race and the treatment of animals. In her novel "The Green House," for example, she examines the exploitation and abuse of black slaves by their white masters, highlighting the intersectionality of race and speciesism. Through her characters, Lispector challenges the notion that humans are inherently superior to other animals and exposes the cruelty and injustice that can result from the dehumanization of others.

Another important aspect of Lispector's writings is her exploration of the relationship between environmental degradation and the production of knowledge. In her essay "The Garden of Earthly Delights," she argues that the destruction of the natural world is not merely an ecological crisis but also a cultural and intellectual one. She suggests that the dominant Western worldview, which prioritizes human progress and economic growth, is deeply flawed and contributes to the environmental crisis. By challenging this worldview, Lispector encourages readers to consider alternative perspectives and to develop a more holistic understanding of the world.

In addition to her literary contributions, Clarice Lispector was also a philosopher and leader in the Indigenous community. Her work emphasized the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Through her teachings, Lispector encouraged Indigenous communities to reclaim their traditional knowledge and practices in order to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

Overall, Clarice Lispector's writings provide a rich and nuanced perspective on the Anthropocene, race, the treatment of animals, and the relationship between environmental degradation and the production of knowledge. By exploring these themes through her literary and philosophical work, Lispector encourages readers to think critically about the world around them and to work towards a more sustainable and just future.

Weight: 382g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032154008