Re-forming World Literature - Katherine Mansfield and the Modernist Short Story

This volume argues that global paradigms of World Literature do not always accommodate voices from the margins and writing within minority genres, such as the short story. Katherine Mansfield is a supreme example of a writer who is positioned between modernism and postcolonialism, between the short story and other genres, and between Europe and New Zealand. It shows how literary modernism can be read in a myriad of ways in terms of the contemporary category of new World Literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 250 pages
Publication date: 10 September 2021
Publisher: ibidem-Verlag, Jessica Haunschild u Christian Schon

This collection of groundbreaking essays makes a compelling case that the dominant global paradigms of World Literature, often centered around major metropolitan hubs of cultural and literary production, often fail to adequately represent the voices and writing of marginalized communities and genres, such as the short story. Katherine Mansfield stands as a remarkable example of a writer who traverses a multitude of borders and boundaries: between modernism and postcolonialism, between the short story and other genres like the novella, poetry, non-fiction (such as letters, diaries, reviews, and translations), and between Europe and New Zealand. By highlighting the global production and dissemination of short stories, particularly the increasing recognition of Mansfield's work worldwide since her passing in 1923, this volume demonstrates the rich and diverse ways in which literary modernism can be interpreted within the contemporary category of New World Literature.

The essays in this volume explore the complex relationship between global paradigms of World Literature and the representation of marginalized voices and writing within minority genres. They argue that these paradigms, often centered around major metropolitan centers, tend to overlook the contributions of writers from the margins and the unique perspectives offered by genres like the short story.

Katherine Mansfield is a prime example of a writer who occupies a unique position between multiple borders and boundaries. She straddles the realms of modernism and postcolonialism, blurring the lines between the short story and other genres such as the novella, poetry, and non-fiction. Mansfield's life and work also reflect her geographical location, as she lived in both Europe and New Zealand, creating a hybrid identity that reflects the cultural and literary influences of both regions.

The volume showcases how Mansfield's work can be read in a multitude of ways within the context of New World Literature. It emphasizes the global production and dissemination of short stories, particularly in the post-World War II era, when Mansfield's work gained widespread recognition and appreciation. The essays also explore the ways in which Mansfield's writing engages with issues of identity, culture, and colonialism, reflecting the broader concerns of New World Literature.

In conclusion, this collection of essays provides a valuable contribution to the study of World Literature and the representation of marginalized voices. It challenges the dominant paradigms of global literature and highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of writers from the margins and minority genres. Through the analysis of Katherine Mansfield's work, the volume demonstrates the rich and diverse ways in which literary modernism can be interpreted within the context of New World Literature.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 151 x 250 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783838211138