Postmodernism and Narratives of Erasure in Culture, Literature, and Language

Postmodernism and Narratives of Erasure in Culture, Literature, and Language is a collection of interdisciplinary essays that argue that the concept of "erasure" is an essential analytical tool for understanding change and continuity in human knowledge. It defines "erasure" as the act of deleting or removing something and explores how it is used in language, culture, and literature to create meaning and significance. The book's major contribution is to expound a fundamental concept of postmodern theory that has been under-theorized to advance understanding of our post-modern times.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2020
Publisher: Academica Press

Postmodernism and Narratives of Erasure in Culture, Literature, and Language is a comprehensive collection of interdisciplinary essays that argue for the significance of the concept of "erasure" as an essential analytical tool and mode of thought in understanding change and continuity in human knowledge. It defines "erasure" as the act of deleting or removing something, following the German philosopher Martin Heidegger's notion in his book Being and Time. The book then proceeds to explore the meaning of inadequacy, but also "necessity," of certain words and concepts from the perspective of the French deconstructionist Jacques Derrida.

In this volume's working definition, "erasure" plays a crucial role in revealing the paradoxical nature of the subject that is being erased, enabling us to transcend the fixed binary constructs of meaning and significance. Consequently, "erasure" substitutes the traditional "metaphysics of presence" (fixed meaning) with an alternative "metaphysics of absence," where meaning is always in a state of construction. Signs are relational rather than referential.

This book stands out for its unique approach to detecting the emergence of "erasure" in language, culture, and literature. It examines how the concept shapes and is shaped by various discursive and critical formations in these domains. The book's major contribution lies in expounding a fundamental concept of postmodern theory that has been under-theorized, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of the realities of our post-modern times.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 157 x 237 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781680539509