Plots: Literary Form and Conspiracy Culture

This edited collection explores the relationship between literary forms and the formation, reception, and transformation of conspiracy theories, highlighting how conspiracy narratives shape popular discourse and influence literary criticism. It is the first systematic study of how conspiracy culture is influenced by literature in American and European history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited collection makes a significant contribution to the study of conspiracy culture by delving into the intricate relationship between literary forms and the formation, reception, and transformation of conspiracy theories. Conspiracy theories, as narratives, provide the framework through which individuals interpret the world and its history, shaping their perspectives and beliefs. At the same time, conspiracy theories can influence and shape literary works, incorporating them into popular discourse and transforming narrative structures. Furthermore, the suppression or disappearance of books can give rise to conspiracy theories and even be co-opted into political dissent. Additionally, literary criticism itself can adopt conspiracist modes of interpretation, further complicating the study of conspiracy culture.

By examining conspiracy plots as literary plots, characterized by narrative, rhetorical, and symbolic elements, this volume offers a comprehensive and systematic exploration of how conspiracy culture has evolved in American and European history through its interactions with literature. This book appeals to scholars and researchers interested in conspiracy theories, literature, and literary criticism, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between these fields.

The suppression and disappearance of books have played a significant role in shaping conspiracy culture. For instance, the burning of books by the ***** during the Holocaust is a well-known example of how the suppression of knowledge can contribute to the formation of conspiracy theories. Similarly, the disappearance of books in countries like China and North Korea has led to the emergence of conspiracy theories about government censorship and control.

Literary works have also been used to perpetuate and amplify conspiracy theories. For example, the novel "1984" by George Orwell has been interpreted as a warning about government surveillance and control, and has been used by conspiracy theorists to support their claims of a New World Order. Similarly, the film "The Matrix" has been interpreted as a metaphor for a secretive government that controls the minds of its citizens, and has been used by conspiracy theorists to support their beliefs in a hidden agenda.

Literary criticism itself can adopt conspiracist modes of interpretation, further complicating the study of conspiracy culture. For example, some literary critics have interpreted works of literature as evidence of a hidden agenda or a conspiracy. This approach can be seen in the work of Jacques Derrida, who interpreted the works of Shakespeare as evidence of a secretive and powerful elite that controls the world.

In conclusion, this edited collection contributes to the study of conspiracy culture by examining the relationship between literary forms and the formation, reception, and transformation of conspiracy theories. By exploring conspiracy plots as literary plots, with narrative, rhetorical, and symbolic characteristics, this volume offers a comprehensive and systematic exploration of how conspiracy culture has evolved in American and European history through its interactions with literature. This book will be of great interest to scholars and researchers interested in conspiracy theories, literature, and literary criticism, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between these fields.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367500702