Modernism and the Anthropocene: Material Ecologies of Twentieth-Century Literature

Modernism and the Anthropocene explores twentieth-century literature's engagement with the non-human world, addressing how humanity dominates the natural world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

Modernism and the Anthropocene delve into the rich tapestry of twentieth-century literature, delving into its profound engagement with the non-human realm across diverse contexts. This comprehensive volume explores a multitude of interconnected themes, ranging from the well-known masterpieces of D.H. Lawrence and Hart Crane to emerging genres such as comics and speculative fiction. It poses thought-provoking inquiries about the most effective ways to comprehend humanity's growing dominance over the natural world.

The emergence of modernism in the early twentieth century marked a significant shift in artistic and intellectual paradigms. Artists and writers began to explore new ways of representing the world, challenging traditional notions of reality and embracing the complexities and uncertainties of the modern world. One of the key themes of modernism was the exploration of the non-human world.

Authors such as D.H. Lawrence and Hart Crane were particularly interested in the relationship between humans and the natural world. They sought to understand the ways in which humans had dominated and controlled the natural environment, as well as the impact this had on both humans and non-humans. Lawrence's novel "The Plumed Serpent" is a prime example of this theme. Set in Mexico, the novel explores the complex relationship between the indigenous people and the Spanish colonizers, who sought to exploit the natural resources of the region.

Through his vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters, Lawrence highlights the destructive impact of human domination on the natural world. He shows how the indigenous people are forced to adapt to the changing environment, often at the expense of their traditional ways of life. Crane's poem "The Open Boat" is another powerful example of this theme. Set on a small boat adrift at sea, the poem explores the vulnerability and isolation of the human subject in the face of the vast and unpredictable natural world.

Through its vivid imagery and metaphorical language, Crane depicts the human subject as a small and fragile creature navigating through a sea of uncertainty and danger. Modernism and the Anthropocene also explores the ways in which non-human entities such as animals, plants, and landscapes are portrayed in literature. Authors such as Virginia Woolf and J.D. Salinger were particularly interested in the ways in which non-human characters could be used to explore human emotions and experiences.

Woolf's novel "To the Lighthouse" is a classic example of this approach. The novel follows the lives of a family living on a remote island, and the interactions between the family members and the surrounding natural environment are central to the story. Woolf uses the natural world to evoke a sense of awe and wonder, as well as to explore the complex emotions of the human characters.

Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye" is another example of this approach. The novel follows the life of a young man named Holden Caulfield, who struggles to navigate the complexities of adulthood in the midst of a rapidly changing world. Salinger uses the character of Holden's cat, Mr. Catcher, to explore the themes of loneliness, isolation, and the search for meaning in life.

In addition to exploring the non-human world, modernism and the Anthropocene also examines the impact of technology on human society world. Authors such as William Gibson and Neal Stephenson were particularly interested in the ways in which technology had transformed the way we interact with the natural world, as well as the ways in which it had created new opportunities for human domination and exploitation.

Gibson's novel "Neuromancer" is a classic example of this approach. The novel depicts a future in which technology has become so advanced that it has merged with the human body, creating a new species of human known as "cyborgs." The novel explores the ethical and philosophical implications of this new technology, as well as the ways in which it has transformed the way of life for humans.

Stephenson's novel "Snow Crash" is another example of this approach. The novel depicts a future in which a global pandemic has wiped out most of humanity, and the survivors are forced to live in a virtual reality world known as the Metaverse. The novel explores the ways in which technology has created new forms of social and economic inequality, as well as the ways in which it has enabled humans to dominate and control the natural world.

In conclusion, modernism and the Anthropocene is a fascinating exploration of twentieth-century literature's engagement with the non-human world across diverse contexts. From the well-known masterpieces of D.H. Lawrence and Hart Crane to emerging genres such as comics and speculative fiction, this volume tackles a series of interconnected themes regarding how best to understand humanity's increasing domination of the natural world. Through its rich and nuanced analysis, modernism and the Anthropocene provides a valuable insight into the complex relationship between humans and the natural world, and the ways in which literature can be used to explore and understand this relationship.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498555401