Poetics and Justice in America, Japan, and Taiwan: Configuring Change and Entitlement

Poetics and Justice in America, Japan, and Taiwan explores how entitlements are implicated in all areas of life that poetry reaches, arguing that poetry matters as a form of media to integrate diverse fields of knowledge and attention. Each chapter focuses on particular sets of problems engaged by poets in different contexts to various ends, such as examining the subtle implications of provocative styles or questioning the muted poetic intimations of injustices that are left standing unchanged in the name of aesthetics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

Poetics and Justice in America, Japan, and Taiwan explores the intricate relationship between poetry and entitlements across various domains of life, both human and nonhuman. By adapting Badious' philosophical framework, this book posits that poetry holds significant value as a form of media, capable of integrating diverse fields of knowledge and attention in newspapers, tweets, performances, and volumes of poetry. The author reimagines intertextuality as more relational than referential, emphasizing the importance of poetry in understanding the interconnectedness of social change and ecological justice.

Each chapter in the book focuses on specific sets of problems addressed by poets in different contexts in Japan, the United States, and Taiwan. Some chapters delve into the nuanced implications of openly provocative styles, while others examine the quiet poetic intimations of injustices that remain unchallenged in the name of aesthetics. Featured poets and performance artists include Amiri Baraka, John Ashbery, Tawara Machi, Rodrigo Toscano, Hung Hung, and John Cage.

The author advocates for a deeper examination of poetic expressions, beyond mere intimations of good intentions or ironic dismissals. They encourage us to consider the discursive fusions and affiliations embodied within poetic expressions, highlighting their potential to shape our understanding of the world and our place within it.

Through its exploration of the interplay between poetry and entitlements, Poetics and Justice in America, Japan, and Taiwan offers a thought-provoking perspective on the role of art in shaping our societal values and promoting justice. It encourages readers to engage with poetry as a medium that can inspire change, challenge norms, and foster a more inclusive and equitable world.

Weight: 648g
Dimension: 160 x 236 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793627902