Restoring the Human Context to Literary and Performance Studies: Voices in Everything

Restoring the Human Context to Literary and Performance Studies advocates for an alternative paradigm, Contextualism, which highlights the similarities and differences among contemporary cognitive approaches to literature and performance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Restoring the Human Context to Literary and Performance Studies is a groundbreaking work that challenges the prevailing frameworks of contemporary literary theory. It argues that a significant portion of modern literary discourse is still implicitly based on outdated linguistic and psychological models, such as post-structuralism, psychoanalysis, and behaviorism, which starkly contradict the dominant scientific perspectives of our time. In contrast, this monograph presents an alternative paradigm for literary studies, namely Contextualism. Through this lens, the author highlights the similarities and differences among the various contemporary cognitive approaches to literature and performance, advocating for Contextualism as a common ground that bridges these divides.

The book begins by examining the historical roots of the current theoretical landscape, tracing the influence of Enlightenment thinkers on the development of modern literary theory. It then critiques the reductionist tendencies of these models, which often strip the human element from literary analysis and reduce it to mere patterns of language or behavior. The author argues that by disregarding the inherent complexity of human experience, these models fail to capture the full range of emotions, thoughts, and motivations that shape our interactions with literature and performance.

In response to this, the author proposes Contextualism as a holistic approach to literary and performance studies. Contextualism emphasizes the importance of considering the broader social, cultural, and historical contexts in which literature and performance are produced and consumed. It recognizes that individuals are not isolated beings but are embedded in complex networks of relationships and institutions that shape their experiences and interpretations. By adopting a Contextualist perspective, scholars can gain a deeper understanding of the ways in which literature and performance reflect and shape the values, beliefs, and practices of different societies and cultures.

One of the key strengths of Contextualism is its ability to bridge the gap between the academic and the popular. The author argues that by engaging with popular culture and media, scholars can gain a more nuanced understanding of the ways in which literature and performance are shaped by the broader social and cultural forces that surround us. This approach allows for a more inclusive and interdisciplinary approach to literary and performance studies, as it incorporates insights from fields such as sociology, history, cultural studies, and media studies.

Another important aspect of Contextualism is its commitment to the ethical dimensions of literary and performance studies. The author argues that by recognizing the power of literature and performance to shape our perceptions and beliefs, scholars have a responsibility to engage with these works in a critical and responsible manner. This involves questioning the assumptions and biases that underlie our interpretations and seeking to understand the ways in which literature and performance can promote social justice, equality, and human flourishing.

Throughout the book, the author provides numerous examples and case studies to illustrate the practical applications of Contextualism. These examples range from classical literature to contemporary popular culture, and they demonstrate the ways in which Contextualism can provide new insights and perspectives on familiar texts and performances. The author also engages with the work of other scholars and critics who have contributed to the development of Contextualism, providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary understanding of the field.

In conclusion, Restoring the Human Context to Literary and Performance Studies is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and innovative approach to literary and performance studies. By challenging the reductionist tendencies of contemporary theory and advocating for a more holistic and contextualized approach, the author provides scholars with a valuable tool for understanding the complex and multifaceted nature of human experience. This book will be of interest to students and scholars across a wide range of disciplines, including literature, performance studies, cultural studies, and sociology.

Weight: 543g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030890803
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022