The Disfigured Face in American Literature, Film, and Television

The face is a person's identity and communication tool, but facial disfigurements have been seen as evil or criminal. This book explores how authors, filmmakers, and showrunners have exploited these tropes and how film, television, and the publishing industry have tried to overcome negative codifications. It appeals to scholars of sociology, cultural and media studies, American studies, and literary studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The face, a prominent and visible feature, holds immense significance in defining a person's identity and serves as a primary means of communication. However, facial disfigurements, whether congenital or acquired, can profoundly impact these essential qualities. Not only do they erase these significant aspects of self, but throughout history, they have been portrayed as outrageous and terrifying, often associated with evil or criminality. Behind the mask of disfigurement lies a dark secret, suggesting punishment for sin.

This book delves into the exploitation of these stereotypical tropes by literary authors, filmmakers, and showrunners, while also examining how film, television, and the publishing industry have recently sought to challenge and overcome negative codifications of facial disfigurement. Through an exploration of fictional representations of the disfigured face, this book appeals to scholars of sociology, cultural and media studies, American studies, and literary studies with interests in representations of disfigurement and the Other.

The face, with its prominent and visible nature, serves as the foremost marker of a person's identity and their primary tool of communication. Facial disfigurements, whether congenital or acquired, have the power to profoundly impact these essential qualities. Throughout history, these disfigurements have been portrayed as outrageous and terrifying, often associated with evil or criminality. Behind the mask of disfigurement lies a dark secret, suggesting punishment for sin.

This book delves into the exploitation of these stereotypical tropes by literary authors, filmmakers, and showrunners. It also examines how film, television, and the publishing industry have recently sought to challenge and overcome negative codifications of facial disfigurement. Through an exploration of fictional representations of the disfigured face, this book appeals to scholars of sociology, cultural and media studies, American studies, and literary studies with interests in representations of disfigurement and the Other.

In conclusion, the face, being prominent and visible, holds immense significance in defining a person's identity and serves as a primary means of communication. Facial disfigurements, whether congenital or acquired, can profoundly impact these essential qualities. This book explores the exploitation of these stereotypical tropes by literary authors, filmmakers, and showrunners, while also examining how film, television, and the publishing industry have recently sought to challenge and overcome negative codifications of facial disfigurement. Through an exploration of fictional representations of the disfigured face, this book appeals to scholars of sociology, cultural and media studies, American studies, and literary studies with interests in representations of disfigurement and the Other.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 155 x 235 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367743147