Puzzling Stories: The Aesthetic Appeal of Cognitive Challenge in Film, Television and Literature

This book explores the cognitive challenge in narrative art, bringing together psychological, philosophical, formal-historical, and empirical perspectives from leading scholars across these fields. It examines the appeal of perplexing works of fiction, why we are drawn to them, and how they engage our minds and emotions.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 12 August 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Many films and novels challenge our ability to comprehend the plot. While perplexing storytelling, strange incongruities, inviting enigmas, and persistent ambiguities have been central to the effects of many literary and cinematic traditions, a great deal of contemporary films and television series bring such qualities to the mainstream. However, where lies the allure of perplexing works of fiction? This comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and trans-medial approach to the question of cognitive challenge in narrative art brings together psychological, philosophical, formal-historical, and empirical perspectives from leading scholars across these fields.

Films and novels often defy our ability to make sense of the plot, presenting us with intriguing storytelling, strange incongruities, inviting enigmas, and persistent ambiguities. These elements have been central to the effects of many literary and cinematic traditions, but what captivates us about perplexing works of fiction? This collected volume offers the first comprehensive, multidisciplinary, and trans-medial exploration of cognitive challenge in narrative art, bringing together psychological, philosophical, formal-historical, and empirical perspectives from esteemed scholars across these fields.

In the realm of film and literature, perplexing narratives have long captivated audiences, enticing them to delve deeper into the complexities of the story. These narratives challenge our cognitive abilities, stimulating our minds and pushing us to explore new perspectives. They evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, as we attempt to unravel the mysteries and unravel the intricate plotlines.

One of the key aspects of perplexing narratives is their ability to create a sense of ambiguity. This ambiguity can be found in the characters, the setting, the plot, and the themes. It allows for multiple interpretations and encourages viewers and readers to engage with the story on a deeper level. By presenting us with multiple perspectives and leaving room for interpretation, perplexing narratives can evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, keeping us engaged and invested in the story.

Another aspect of perplexing narratives is their ability to create a sense of wonder and curiosity. These narratives often present us with unfamiliar concepts, ideas, and worlds, challenging our preconceptions and expanding our horizons. They encourage us to think outside the box and explore new possibilities, which can lead to personal growth and intellectual stimulation.

Moreover, perplexing narratives can also be a source of emotional resonance. They often delve into complex themes and emotions, such as love, loss, identity, and morality. By presenting these themes in a nuanced and thoughtful way, perplexing narratives can connect with audiences on a personal level, evoking a range of emotions and leaving a lasting impact.

In conclusion, perplexing narratives have a unique ability to challenge our cognitive abilities, stimulate our minds, and evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. They create ambiguity, present us with unfamiliar concepts, ideas, and worlds, and connect with audiences on a personal level. These qualities make perplexing works of fiction appealing to audiences of all ages and backgrounds, and continue to inspire and captivate us to this day.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 159 x 235 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800735910