The Animal Other in Narratives of Conquest: Uncanny Encounters

The Animal Other in Narratives of Conquest: Uncanny Encounters explores the functions of nonhuman animal imagery in diverse narratives of the Conquest of the Americas, arguing that animals disrupt narratives that present the Conquest as mutually beneficial.

Format: Hardback
Length: 166 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Animal Other in Narratives of Conquest: Uncanny Encounters delves into the profound significance of nonhuman animal imagery in a wide array of narratives surrounding the Conquest of the Americas. The author's insightful interpretations of film, poetry, literary fiction, and theme park spaces incorporate a rich blend of postcolonial and animal theory, deconstructive and Freudian literary criticism, and radical social theory. Through her compelling arguments, she reveals that animals in these texts serve two interconnected purposes: while they play a pivotal role in shaping the development of both Indigenous and European characters, the portrayal of their treatment and symbolic significance consistently challenges narratives that aim to portray the Conquest as a harmonious and mutually beneficial exchange between two cultures.

The meticulous close readings of animal imagery found in texts spanning from Pablo Neruda's poetic prowess to the animated film The Road to El Dorado offer a novel perspective on the portrayal of Indigenous Americans and the underlying motivations, strategies, and enduring impacts of the invading culture. By exploring the animal other in these narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between human and nonhuman worlds, shedding light on the enduring legacies of conquest and the ongoing struggle for cultural sovereignty.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 233 x 159 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793648679