Weaving Tales: Anglo-Iberian Encounters on Literatures in English

This collection of essays explores how our encounters with literatures in English inform our assumptions about texts and identities, using metaphors such as mapping, examining, reading, re-reading, fashioning, and self-fashioning to convey the complexity and nature of creative writing. It traces the intertwined patterns that knit texts together, weaving identities and undoing them, interrogating established and official truths.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating collection of essays unites a diverse group of esteemed Spanish and Portuguese scholars and writers, who delve into the profound impact of our encounters with English literature on our perceptions of texts and identities. Through a series of insightful analyses, they explore the intricate ways in which our readings shape our understanding of literature and ourselves. The essays employ a rich array of metaphors, including mapping, examining, reading, re-reading, fashioning, and self-fashioning, to convey the multifaceted nature of creative writing. These metaphors serve as powerful tools for understanding the complexity and intricacies of literary works.

One particularly significant metaphor that has played a pivotal role in the history of world literature is the concept of weaving. As early as the Roman poet Ovid's Metamorphoses, weaving was employed to depict the interconnection of narratives, the exploration of uncertain identities, and the risks associated with revealing uncomfortable truths. This metaphor continues to resonate today, as these essays trace the intricate patterns that unite texts, both creating and unraveling identities while also challenging established and official truths.

The essays in this collection offer a rich tapestry of perspectives, drawing from various literary genres and periods. They explore the ways in which English literature has influenced the development of Spanish and Portuguese literature, as well as how these two languages have in turn influenced the interpretation and reception of English texts. The authors examine the ways in which English literature has shaped cultural identities, influenced political discourse, and provided a platform for the expression of marginalized voices.

Furthermore, the essays engage in a critical dialogue with established theories and methodologies in literary analysis. They challenge the boundaries of traditional approaches and explore new ways of understanding the complex relationships between texts and identities. Through their interdisciplinary approach, the authors shed light on the ways in which literature can be used as a tool for social change and cultural transformation.

In conclusion, this collection of essays is a testament to the power of literature to shape our perceptions and understanding of the world. Through their insightful analyses and innovative metaphors, the authors invite us to re-examine our assumptions about texts and identities and to explore the rich tapestry of literary traditions that have shaped our collective consciousness. As readers, we are left with a renewed appreciation for the complexity and beauty of the written word and the transformative power of literature to inspire, challenge, and transform us.

Weight: 640g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032447681