Remainders of the American Century: Post-Apocalyptic Novels in the Age of US Decline

The book explores the post-apocalyptic novel in American literature from the 1940s to the present as reflections of a growing anxiety about the decline of US hegemony. It illuminates the political unconscious of post-apocalyptic writing and the tension between a reactionary impulse and the progressive impetus for a new world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2021
Publisher: Wesleyan University Press

The following is the rephrased text:
Post-apocalyptic novels delve into the realm of human resilience in the aftermath of catastrophic events, envisioning the shape of the future through the lens of the remnants left behind. Since 1945, the United States' destiny has transitioned from the apocalyptic future of nuclear holocaust to the impending threat of global warming. Theorist Brent Ryan Bellamy sheds light on the political undercurrents of post-apocalyptic writing, drawing from diverse disciplines such as science fiction studies, American studies, energy humanities research, and critical race theory. From George R. Stewart's Earth Abides to N.K. Jemisin's Remainders of the American Century, the book explores the tension between a reactionary impulse and the progressive drive for a new world.

Post-apocalyptic novels:
Post-apocalyptic novels explore the aftermath of catastrophic events, delving into the resilience and responses of human beings in a world transformed by destruction. These books envision a future shaped by the remnants left behind, reflecting the anxieties and concerns of a society grappling with the decline of US hegemony.

The Shift in US Destiny:
Since 1945, the United States' destiny has undergone a significant shift. The apocalyptic future of nuclear holocaust, once a prominent theme in post-apocalyptic literature, has given way to the more immediate and pressing threat of global warming. This shift reflects a growing anxiety about the decline of US hegemony and the challenges posed by environmental degradation and climate change.

Theorist Brent Ryan Bellamy:
Theorist Brent Ryan Bellamy is a key figure in exploring the political unconscious of post-apocalyptic writing. Drawing on a range of disciplinary fields, including science fiction studies, American studies, energy humanities research, and critical race theory, Bellamy sheds light on the social and cultural implications of post-apocalyptic narratives.

Post-apocalyptic Writing and Disciplinary Fields:
Post-apocalyptic writing draws on various disciplinary fields to enrich its analysis. Science fiction studies provide insights into the imaginative possibilities of post-apocalyptic worlds, while American studies explore the historical and cultural contexts in which these narratives emerge. Energy humanities research examines the relationship between energy, power, and society in post-apocalyptic contexts, and critical race theory examines the ways in which race, ethnicity, and identity shape human experiences in the aftermath of disaster.

Remainders of the American Century:
One notable example of post-apocalyptic literature is George R. Stewart's Earth Abides. Set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a catastrophic event, Earth Abides explores the resilience of human beings and their struggle to rebuild society. The book examines the tension between a reactionary impulse to return to a simpler, pre-apocalyptic way of life and the progressive impetus for a new world order.

N.K. Jemisin's Remainders of the American Century:
Another notable work is N.K. Jemisin's Remainders of the American Century. Set in a future where a catastrophic event has wiped out most of humanity, Remainders of the American Century explores the struggles of a small group of survivors as they navigate a world filled with danger and uncertainty. The book explores the tension between a reactionary impulse to cling to the remnants of the past and the progressive drive for a new world order.

The Tension between Reactionary Impulse and Progressive Push:
Post-apocalyptic novels often depict a world in which the remnants of the past hold significant power and influence. These remnants can be physical objects, such as artifacts or technology, or cultural symbols, such as traditions or beliefs. The tension between a reactionary impulse to preserve these remnants and the progressive push for a new world order is a central theme in many post-apocalyptic narratives.

The Shape of the Future:
The shape of the future envisioned in post-apocalyptic novels is defined by the remnants left behind. These remnants express themselves through storytelling tropes, shaping the characters, societies, and relationships in the post-apocalyptic world. The future envisioned is often dark, uncertain, and challenging, but it also offers opportunities for growth, innovation, and transformation.

Conclusion:
Post-apocalyptic novels serve as a powerful reflection of the anxieties and concerns of a society grappling with the decline of US hegemony. Through the lens of the remnants left behind, these books envision the shape of the future and explore the tension between a reactionary impulse and the progressive drive for a new world order. Post-apocalyptic literature continues to evolve and adapt to the changing world, offering insights into the human condition and the potential for resilience in the face of catastrophe.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780819580313