Politics of Male Friendship in Contemporary American Fiction

This book explores how contemporary American fiction has revived the concept of civic friendship and how it is intertwined with the promises and paradoxes of democracy in the United States. It brings together the work of various authors and offers a fresh perspective on the political and intellectual fabric of the American novel today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This book delves into the fascinating exploration of how our friendships can profoundly influence our political beliefs and attitudes. By examining a wide range of contemporary American fiction, it sheds light on the re-emergence of the concept of civic friendship and its significance in shaping the political landscape of the United States. Through engaging dialogue between various authors, including Philip Roth, Paul Auster, Michael Chabon, Jonathan Lethem, Dinaw Mengestu, and Teju Cole, this innovative study offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the political and intellectual fabric of the American novel today.

The book begins by tracing the historical roots of the idea of civic friendship in American literature, highlighting its importance as a cornerstone of democratic ideals. It explores how male friendships have been traditionally portrayed as intertwined with the promises and challenges of democracy, reflecting the complex relationship between individual autonomy and collective responsibility.

The authors analyze how contemporary fiction employs the concept of civic friendship to address pressing political issues and explore the complexities of human relationships. They examine how friendships can serve as a means of promoting social justice, fostering empathy, and challenging power structures. Through their narratives, the authors demonstrate how friendships can provide a space for marginalized voices to be heard and for individuals to develop a deeper understanding of each other's perspectives.

Furthermore, the book explores the role of friendship in shaping individual identities and political ideologies. It examines how friendships can influence our values, beliefs, and behaviors, and how they can either reinforce or challenge dominant narratives and ideologies. The authors argue that friendships can be a powerful tool for promoting social change and for building a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, this book offers a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the complex relationship between friendship and politics. It demonstrates how our friendships can shape our beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors, and how they can contribute to the broader political discourse of our society. By engaging with a wide range of literary works and theoretical frameworks, this study provides valuable insights into the role of friendship in shaping the political fabric of the American novel today.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 147 x 222 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526156358