Triggered Literature: Cancellation, Stealth Censorship and Cultural Warfare

Politicians have taken up arms over controls on literary culture, spurred on by universities triggering canonical texts. John Sutherland explores the recent phenomenon of triggering and its consequences for university English departments and literature itself, maintaining that it is an alert that does not erase or meddle but stimulates curiosity and thought. He advises literature to be handled with critical care.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 19 September 2023
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

Amid the fiery furnace of the culture wars, politicians have clashed over the reins of literary culture, fueled by universities that dare to challenge canonical texts. The echoes of Jonathan Swift's legendary Battle of the Books resound once more. However, the question arises: is this act of "triggering" mere pandering to woke sensibilities or a responsible pedagogical practice? In his comprehensive exploration, John Sutherland delves into the recent phenomenon of triggering, examining its impact on university English departments and literature as a whole. He argues that what often gets lost in the fervor of debate is the crucial distinction between triggering and traditional institutional controls on literature. Triggering, in essence, serves as an alert, not a suppression or meddling. When approached responsibly, it does not erase or interfere; rather, it ignites curiosity and stimulates thoughtful inquiry. It recognizes the inherent greatness of literature, as famously articulated by Franz Kafka, because of its power to shape our world. In this meticulously nuanced and objective study, the astute literary critic navigates the increasingly treacherous terrain of triggering, offering invaluable advice: literature holds immense significance for us and the world we inhabit, and it demands the utmost care and scrutiny in our handling.

ISBN-13: 9781785908170