The View from Above in American Literature: Aerial Description, the Imaginary and the Form of Environment

Through literature, readers can experience the environment in ways not available through everyday perception. David Rodriguez's book "Form of Environment" combines ecocriticism, narrative theory, and phenomenological approaches to literature to develop the term "form of environment," which emphasizes the environment as an equal agent with human figures and scales.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Through literature, readers gain access to an environment that surpasses the limitations of everyday perception. This becomes particularly evident when a text incorporates the captivating bird's-eye view, offering a unique perspective. In this valuable contribution to the ongoing theoretical discourse on storied environments and non-human perceptions, David Rodriguez presents an innovative interpretation of the aesthetics of elevated viewpoints. Rodriguez's study, which focuses on fiction by twentieth-century American writers such as Willa Cather, Paul Bowles, and Don DeLillo, skillfully blends ecocriticism, narrative theory, and phenomenological approaches to literature. Through this multidisciplinary approach, Rodriguez develops the concept of "form of environment," which elevates the environment to an equal agent alongside human figures and scales, traditionally the primary focus of literary analysis.

By adopting this novel perspective, Rodriguez's theory of literary fiction emphasizes the environment as an active participant in the narrative rather than merely serving as a backdrop or historical context. It recognizes the environment as a dynamic entity that interacts with and influences the characters and events portrayed in the text. This approach challenges traditional notions of literature as solely human-centric and expands the boundaries of literary analysis to encompass the intricate interplay between humans and their surrounding environment.

Through his meticulous exploration of fiction, Rodriguez demonstrates how the form of environment can evoke a range of emotions, create immersive experiences, and deepen the understanding of human-nature relationships. He highlights how the bird's-eye view can provide a sense of awe, wonder, and detachment, allowing readers to observe the world from a vantage point that challenges their own perspectives. By examining the environmental elements in literature, Rodriguez sheds light on the complex interplay between human societies, cultural practices, and the natural world.

Moreover, Rodriguez's theory of the form of environment offers valuable insights into the role of literature in shaping public perception and environmental awareness. By highlighting the environmental dimensions of fiction, he encourages readers to consider the impact of human actions on the natural world and to advocate for sustainable practices. Through his innovative approach, Rodriguez contributes to the growing body of literature that seeks to bridge the gap between humans and the environment, promoting a more harmonious and sustainable relationship between the two.

In conclusion, David Rodriguez's theory of the form of environment presents a groundbreaking perspective on the aesthetics of elevated viewpoints. By integrating ecocriticism, narrative theory, and phenomenological approaches, Rodriguez challenges traditional notions of literature and expands the boundaries of literary analysis. Through his meticulous exploration of fiction, he demonstrates how the form of environment can evoke emotions, create immersive experiences, and deepen our understanding of human-nature relationships. Moreover, his theory offers valuable insights into the role of literature in shaping public perception and environmental awareness, encouraging readers to consider the impact of human actions on the natural world and to advocate for sustainable practices. Rodriguez's work is a significant contribution to the field of environmental studies and literature, and it will undoubtedly inspire future scholars and researchers to explore the complex interplay between humans and their surrounding environment.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399522922