Spaces of Violence

The Spaces of Violence is a book that explores how violence and space are interconnected in ten contemporary American novels.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2020
Publisher: The University of Alabama Press

In his book "The Spaces of Violence," James R. Giles delves into a comprehensive examination of ten contemporary American novels, exploring the intricate ways in which they intertwine violence and space as interconnected phenomena. These captivating texts encompass a diverse range of works, including Russell Banks' "Affliction," Cormac McCarthy's "Outer Dark," and "Child of God," Lewis Nordans' "Wolf Whistle," Dorothy Allison's "Bastard Out of Carolina," Don DeLillo's "End Zone," Denis Johnson's "Angels," Sherman Alexies' "Indian Killer," Robert Stone's "Dog Soldiers," and Bret Easton Ellis' "American Psycho." To further enhance the analysis, a concluding chapter extends the focus to texts by Jane Smiley, Toni Morrison, Edwidge Danticat, and Chuck Palahniuk, who delve into the devastating consequences of violence on family structures.

Introduction:
"The Spaces of Violence" by James R. Giles is a groundbreaking exploration of the relationship between violence and space in contemporary American literature. Through a meticulous analysis of ten selected novels, Giles uncovers the unique ways in which these texts engage with these two fundamental aspects of human experience. This book offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between violence and spatiality, shedding light on the ways in which these elements shape narrative, character, and societal dynamics.

Violence and Space in Contemporary American Novels:
The novels examined in "The Spaces of Violence" exhibit a diverse range of approaches to violence and space. Some novels depict violence as a physical force that permeates every aspect of life, while others explore the psychological and emotional toll that violence takes on individuals and communities. Giles highlights the ways in which these texts use spatial metaphors, imagery, and symbolism to convey the intensity and impact of violence. For example, in "Affliction," Banks employs the metaphor of a dark and foreboding forest to represent the psychological and emotional turmoil experienced by the protagonist. Similarly, in "Outer Dark," McCarthy uses the concept of a closed and suffocating environment to depict the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "The Spaces of Violence" is a seminal work in the field of literary studies. By examining the complex relationship between violence and space in contemporary American novels, Giles provides readers with a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and political implications of these phenomena. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of violence on society.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 154 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780817359928