Moral Complexities in Turn of the Millennium British Literature

Moral Complexities in Turn of the Millennium British Literature explores the moral complexity and social responsibility in works by Kazuo Ishiguro, Patrick McGrath, Graham Swift, Andrea Levy, and Jeanette Winterson. It argues that these authors challenge literary, cultural, and political fictions and encourage readers to think carefully about language, power, community, and social justice. The book examines moral issues through the lens of how books address these issues and how they serve as a moral function by challenging readers to be socially engaged.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Moral Complexities in Turn of the Millennium British Literature delves into a critical examination of moral complexity and societal responsibility in the works of Kazuo Ishiguro, Patrick McGrath, Graham Swift, Andrea Levy, and Jeanette Winterson. Mara Reisman contends that through their literary creations, these authors unveil and challenge literary, cultural, and political narratives, prompting readers to engage in thoughtful contemplation regarding language, power, community, and social justice. The book explores moral dilemmas in two distinct dimensions: firstly, by examining how these authors address morally complex social, political, and cultural issues in their books, and secondly, by exploring how their works serve as moral agents, encouraging readers to actively engage in social activism. Reisman conducts a comprehensive analysis of several notable works, including "The Remains of the Day," "Asylum," "The Light of Day," "Small Island," and "The Daylight Gate." Through these books, she discusses twentieth- and twenty-first-century British politics and culture, addressing a wide range of topics often associated with moral judgments, such as war, racism, adultery, maternal neglect, murder, professional misconduct, witchcraft, and religion. Despite the diverse settings and historical periods depicted, these books share common themes emphasizing the role of empathy, personal responsibility, and civic engagement in fostering more productive social relations and creating a more unified world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793648464