Reading Slaughter: Abattoir Fictions, Space, and Empathy in Late Modernity

Reading Slaughter explores literary depictions of slaughterhouses, examining isolation and concealment's impact on empathy and human-animal relations. It contributes to debates in literary animal studies, human-animal studies, and horror fiction.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 279 pages
Publication date: 08 May 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Reading Slaughter: Abattoir Fictions, Space, and Empathy in Late Modernity explores literary representations of slaughterhouses from the late nineteenth century to the present day, examining how increasing isolation and concealment of slaughter from society affects readings and depictions of slaughter and abattoirs in literature and the extent to which depictions of animal slaughter create opportunities for empathic reactions or reflections on human-animal relations. The book delves into various aspects of slaughterhouse fictions, including narrative empathy, anthropomorphism, urban and rural spaces, human identities, and horror fiction, contributing to debates in literary animal studies, human-animal studies, and beyond.

Sune Borkfelt's book contributes to the ongoing discussion of the role of animals in literature and culture, challenging traditional notions of human-animal relationships and highlighting the ethical implications of our treatment of animals. By examining the ways in which slaughterhouses are depicted in literature, Borkfelt argues that these representations can shape our understanding of animals and our relationship with them.

One of the key themes of Reading Slaughter is the isolation and concealment of slaughter from society. Borkfelt argues that this isolation has led to a lack of empathy and understanding of animals, and has contributed to the dehumanization of slaughter. Slaughterhouses are often depicted as cold, impersonal, and mechanized, with animals treated as mere commodities. This depiction can create a sense of distance and disconnection between humans and animals, making it difficult for readers to empathize with the animals being slaughtered.

However, Borkfelt also argues that slaughterhouses can also be sites of empathy and reflection. By examining the ways in which animals are slaughtered, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the animal's experience and the ethical implications of our treatment of them. Slaughterhouses can be places of violence and suffering, but they can also be places of compassion and care.

One of the ways in which slaughterhouses are depicted in literature is through narrative empathy. Narrative empathy involves the reader's ability to connect with the characters and their experiences. Slaughterhouses can be used to create powerful and emotional narratives that explore the human-animal relationship. For example, in J.M. Coetzee's novel "Disgrace," the protagonist's relationship with his dog is used to explore the themes of guilt, shame, and redemption.

Anthropomorphism is another way in which slaughterhouses are depicted in literature. Anthropomorphism involves the attribution of human characteristics to animals. This can be used to create a sense of empathy and understanding between humans and animals. For example, in George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm," the pigs are depicted as intelligent and capable of human-like behavior.

Urban and rural spaces are also important in the depiction of slaughterhouses in literature. Slaughterhouses can be located in both urban and rural areas, and the environment can have a significant impact on the animals being slaughtered. In urban areas, slaughterhouses are often located in industrial zones, which can be noisy, polluted, and dangerous. In rural areas, slaughterhouses are often located in remote areas, which can be more peaceful and natural.

Human identities are also important in the depiction of slaughterhouses in literature. Slaughterhouses can be used to explore the human-animal relationship and the ways in which humans interact with animals. For example, in Toni Morrison's novel "Song of Solomon," the protagonist's relationship with his dog is used to explore the themes of identity, race, and gender.

Horror fiction is also a significant genre in the depiction of slaughterhouses in literature. Slaughterhouses can be used to create terrifying and disturbing narratives that explore the human-animal relationship and the ethical implications of our treatment of animals. For example, in Stephen King's novel "The Shining," the protagonist's relationship with his dog is used to explore the themes of madness and evil.

In conclusion, Reading Slaughter: Abattoir Fictions, Space, and Empathy in Late Modernity is a valuable contribution to the study of literature and culture. By examining the ways in which slaughterhouses are depicted in literature, Borkfelt challenges traditional notions of human-animal relationships and highlights the ethical implications of our treatment of animals. Slaughterhouses can be sites of empathy and reflection, but they can also be sites of violence and suffering. By exploring the human-animal relationship and the ethical implications of our treatment of animals, we can work towards a more compassionate and sustainable future.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030989170
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022