Locating Classed Subjectivities: Intersections of Space and Working-Class Life in Nineteenth-, Twentieth-, and Twenty-First-Century British Writing

Locating Classed Subjectivities analyzes British fiction through the lens of spatial theory to explore representations of social class, tracing the development of literary forms and how authors mobilized innovative spatial metaphors to express contingent social and economic realities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Locating Classed Subjectivities: An Exploration of Spatial Representations in British Fiction

In their groundbreaking work, "Locating Classed Subjectivities," scholars delve into the intricate representations of social class in British fiction, employing spatial theory and analysis to shed light on the evolving narrative strategies employed by British writers. Through a comprehensive examination of a diverse range of class-conscious texts spanning the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries, the collection offers a comprehensive overview of how British authors have harnessed spatial aesthetics as a powerful tool to comment on the complex dynamics of social class. By tracing the development of literary forms and analyzing how authors have employed innovative spatial metaphors, the collection provides a rich tapestry of aesthetic strategies of representation in British writing. From early-nineteenth-century narratives that grapple with the social and economic implications of disease to contemporary works that explore the experiences of working-class millennials, "Locating Classed Subjectivities" offers fresh perspectives on literary techniques and political intentions, challenging prevailing notions of class and its intersections with space. This project responds to the compelling argument put forth by Nigel Thrift and Peter Williams, highlighting the unique role of literary and cultural production in understanding the intricate interplay between space and social class. By delving into the rich tapestry of British writing across three centuries, "Locating Classed Subjectivities" contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our society and culture.

Aesthetic Strategies of Representation in British Writing

Within the pages of "Locating Classed Subjectivities," scholars explore the evolving aesthetic strategies of representation in British writing, tracing the development of literary forms and the innovative ways in which authors have employed spatial metaphors to convey the complexities of social class. From the early-nineteenth-century narratives that depict the social and economic struggles of the working class to the contemporary works that explore the experiences of marginalized communities, British writers have consistently used spatial imagery to comment on the unequal distribution of resources, power, and privilege. Through meticulous analysis, the collection highlights the ways in which authors have employed spatial metaphors to create a sense of place, time, and identity, shaping the reader's perception of social class and its impact on individuals and society.

One notable example of the use of spatial metaphors in British writing is the concept of the "social landscape." This metaphor refers to the physical and social environment in which individuals live and interact, and it is often used to convey the hierarchical structure of society. For instance, in the novel "Middlemarch" by George Eliot, the social landscape is portrayed as a complex web of relationships and hierarchies, with the upper classes occupying the highest positions and the working class relegated to the lower tiers. Eliot's use of spatial metaphors helps to highlight the social and economic disparities that exist in Victorian-era England, and it serves as a powerful tool for critiquing the dominant social order.
Another example of spatial metaphors in British writing is the concept of the "home." The home is often seen as a symbol of security, stability, and belonging, but it can also be used to convey the unequal distribution of resources and power. In the novel "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf, the home is portrayed as a site of conflict and tension, with the upper classes occupying the grand houses and the working class forced to live in cramped and dilapidated apartments. Woolf's use of spatial metaphors helps to highlight the social and economic inequalities that exist within the domestic sphere, and it serves as a critique of the patriarchal structures that govern society.
In addition to these examples, "Locating Classed Subjectivities" also explores the use of spatial metaphors in British writing to convey the emotional and psychological impact of social class. For instance, in the novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the spatial setting of the "American Dream" is portrayed as a distant and unattainable goal, symbolizing the distance between the upper classes and the working class. Fitzgerald's use of spatial metaphors helps to convey the sense of hopelessness and despair that pervades the novel, highlighting the limitations imposed by social class on individuals and society.

Political Intentions and Class Critique

"Locating Classed Subjectivities" goes beyond mere aesthetic analysis, delving into the political intentions and class critique embedded within British writing. Scholars examine the ways in which authors have used spatial metaphors to challenge dominant narratives and promote social change. For instance, in the novel "The Road" by Cormac McCarthy, the post-apocalyptic setting is used to critique the capitalist system and promote a socialist alternative. McCarthy's use of spatial metaphors helps to create a sense of urgency and despair, highlighting the destructive nature of capitalism and the need for a radical transformation of society.
Similarly, in the novel "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins, the dystopian setting is used to critique the authoritarian government and promote a democratic alternative. Collins's use of spatial metaphors helps to create a sense of fear and oppression, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of resistance and rebellion.
In conclusion, "Locating Classed Subjectivities" is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive exploration of spatial representations in British fiction. Through the lens of spatial theory and analysis, scholars shed light on the evolving narrative strategies employed by British writers to comment on the complexities of social class. By tracing the development of literary forms and analyzing how authors have employed innovative spatial metaphors, the collection provides a rich tapestry of aesthetic strategies of representation in British writing. From early-nineteenth-century narratives that grapple with the social and economic implications of disease to contemporary works that explore the experiences of working-class millennials, "Locating Classed Subjectivities" offers fresh perspectives on literary techniques and political intentions, challenging prevailing notions of class and its intersections with space. This project responds to the compelling argument put forth by Nigel Thrift and Peter Williams, highlighting the unique role of literary and cultural production in understanding the intricate interplay between space and social class. By delving into the rich tapestry of British writing across three centuries, "Locating Classed Subjectivities" contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our society and culture.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367635145