Spectral Dickens: The Uncanny Forms of Novelistic Characterization

Spectral Dickens examines literary characters that are neither real nor fictional but spectral, using three hauntological concepts: the Freudian uncanny, Derridean spectrality, and the Lacanian real. This work provides an in-depth study of the inimitable characters in Dickens' illustrated novels, inventing new critical concepts to account for non-mimetic forms of characterization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2023
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Drawing on the recent ontological turn in critical theory,Spectral Dickens delves into an enigmatic realm of literary character that exists somewhere between the real and the fictional,wherein lies the spectral. This groundbreaking work offers a comprehensive exploration of the unique and unforgettable characters that populate Dickens' illustrated novels,utilizing three haunting concepts: the Freudian uncanny,Derridean spectrality,and the Lacanian real. In contrast to the prevailing discourse on character studies,which often revolves around values like realism,depth,and lifelikeness,this book introduces innovative critical concepts to account for non-mimetic forms of characterization. These spectral manifestations shed light on the profound influence of developments in nineteenth-century visual culture,such as the lithography and caricature of Daumier and J.J. Grandville. The spectrality of novelistic characters unveiled herein lays the foundation for a fresh perspective on fictional characters in general.

Dimension: 216 x 138 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526174543