Posthumanism in the Novels of Kurt Vonnegut: Matter That Complains So

Posthumanism in the Novels of Kurt Vonnegut challenges the critical consensus that Vonnegut was a humanist writer, highlighting the productive paradoxes of his work through New Materialist, Eco-Critical, and Systems Theory methodologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 242 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Posthumanism in Kurt Vonnegut's Novels: Matter That Complains

Re-examining the prevailing critical consensus, this book challenges the notion that Kurt Vonnegut was solely a humanist writer. While certain aspects of his work have garnered scholarly attention, critics have tended to either dismiss or subsume them within a liberal humanist framework. However, when approached from a posthumanist perspective, Vonnegut's work reveals its productive paradoxes.

Drawing on New Materialist, Eco-Critical, and Systems Theory methodologies, this book explores posthumanist themes in six of Vonnegut's most renowned novels. It emphasizes how Vonnegut challenges human/non-human, natural/artificial, and material/discursive hierarchical binaries, offering a fresh perspective on his literary oeuvre.

In the first chapter, "Posthumanism and the Human in Kurt Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle," the author examines how Vonnegut subverts traditional humanist narratives by introducing non-human characters as central protagonists. Through the example of the titular cat's cradle, the book explores the concept of posthumanism as a rejection of human exceptionalism and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings.

Chapter two, "Posthumanism and the Natural in Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five," delves into how Vonnegut portrays nature as a complex and interconnected system that challenges human-centric perspectives. The author analyzes how Vonnegut uses natural imagery and symbolism to convey the interconnectedness of all things and the destructive power of human actions on the environment.

Chapter three, "Posthumanism and the Artificial in Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions," explores how Vonnegut challenges the boundaries between human and non-human entities. The book examines how Vonnegut uses artificial intelligence and technology to explore the ethical and philosophical implications of creating artificial beings.

Chapter four, "Posthumanism and the Material in Vonnegut's Galapagos," examines how Vonnegut explores the relationship between humans and their physical environment. The book discusses how Vonnegut uses the Galapagos Islands as a metaphor for the human impact on the natural world and the consequences of human-induced climate change.

Chapter five, "Posthumanism and the Discursive in Vonnegut's Mother Night," explores how Vonnegut uses language and storytelling to challenge human-centric narratives. The book examines how Vonnegut uses the Holocaust as a lens to explore the power structures that perpetuate violence and oppression.

Chapter six, "Conclusion: Posthumanism and Kurt Vonnegut's Legacy," summarizes the key findings of the book and discusses how Vonnegut's posthumanist themes continue to resonate in contemporary literature and culture. The author argues that Vonnegut's work offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the nature of humanity and the future of our planet.

In conclusion, Posthumanism in Kurt Vonnegut's Novels: Matter That Complains offers a fresh and insightful perspective on Vonnegut's literary oeuvre. By challenging traditional humanist narratives and exploring the productive paradoxes of posthumanism, this book provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the nature of humanity and the future of our planet.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367521677