The Artifice of Affect: American Realist Literature and Emotional Truth

The Artifice of Affect argues that valuing affective authenticity risks creating a homogenized self and encouraging conformity, particularly in American realist texts from the Cold War to the twentieth century's end. It proposes re-framing emotional processes as visceral constructions that should not be held to the standards of accuracy, legitimacy, or veracity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

The notion of emotional truth holds significant implications for both literature and culture. According to The Artifice of Affect, valuing affective authenticity can lead to the formation of a homogenized self, which is inclined to conform solely to accepted moral beliefs. Moreover, when emotional truth becomes the primary focus of literature, literary works often become vehicles of conformity. This risk is particularly evident in a range of American realist texts from the Cold War to the end of the twentieth century. Writers such as James Baldwin, Saul Bellow, John Cheever, Kathleen Collins, Paula Fox, Ralph Ellison, and Richard Yates have formulated astute critiques of the aesthetic and social imperatives of genuine feeling.

The central arguments of this book seek to re-frame emotional processes as visceral constructions that should not be held to the standards of static ideals of accuracy, legitimacy, or veracity. By challenging the notion of emotional truth as a fixed and universal concept, The Artifice of Affect encourages readers to explore the complexities and nuances of human emotion. It prompts us to consider the ways in which emotions are shaped by social, cultural, and personal factors and to recognize the diverse ways in which individuals experience and express emotion.

Ultimately, The Artifice of Affect offers a valuable contribution to the study of literature and culture. By challenging the notion of emotional truth, it encourages readers to think critically about the ways in which emotions are represented and interpreted in literary works. It also prompts us to consider the broader social and cultural implications of valuing affective authenticity and the potential risks associated with it. As we continue to navigate the complex terrain of human emotion, this book provides a valuable framework for understanding and analyzing the ways in which emotions shape our lives and our societies.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 216 x 140 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399507998