Writing Tricksters: Mythic Gambols in American Ethnic Fiction

Writing Tricksters explores the resurgence of tricksters in contemporary cultural and literary scenes, featuring successful and important women writers like Maxine Hong Kingston, Louise Erdrich, and Toni Morrison. It combines current critical discourses on marginality, ethnicity, feminism, and folklore to illuminate a trickster aesthetic central to non-Western storytelling traditions and inform American literature today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Writing Tricksters delves into the captivating revival of tricksters, these enigmatic beings who exist at the intersections of borders, crossroads, and realms. These tricksters are portrayed as characters who navigate a chaotic, multilingual world, where cultures collide and overlap, creating a rich tapestry of diversity. Among the most celebrated and influential women writers in America, many have embraced the role of tricksters in their works. By exploring the writings of Maxine Hong Kingston, Louise Erdrich, and Toni Morrison, Jeanne Rosier Smith skillfully weaves together contemporary critical discourses on marginality, ethnicity, feminism, and folklore, shedding light on a trickster aesthetic that holds significant importance in non-Western storytelling traditions and profoundly influences American literature today.

This book is a part of UC Press' Voices Revived program, a mission to discover and nurture exceptional minds, providing them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a wider audience, and have a lasting impact. Drawing from a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived utilizes print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again. Originally published in 1997, this title continues to resonate with readers and scholars alike.

Tricksters have a long and rich history in storytelling, appearing in various cultures and mythologies worldwide. They are often portrayed as mischievous characters who play pranks, subvert expectations, and challenge the status quo. In the contemporary cultural and literary landscape, tricksters have emerged as powerful symbols of resilience, adaptability, and cultural hybridity.

One of the key aspects of trickster narratives is their ability to blur the boundaries between different worlds and cultures. Tricksters are often depicted as shape-shifters, capable of moving between different realms and embodying multiple identities. This blurring of boundaries allows them to explore the complexities of identity, belonging, and the intersection of different cultures.

In the works of Maxine Hong Kingston, Louise Erdrich, and Toni Morrison, tricksters are used to explore the experiences of marginalized communities. Kingston's novel Woman Warrior explores the struggles of a young woman who moves between different cultural and social worlds, seeking to find her place in the world. Erdrich's novel The Round House explores the complexities of indigenous identity and the ongoing struggles of Native Americans to reclaim their land and culture. Morrison's novel Beloved explores the legacy of slavery and the struggles of African Americans to overcome its effects.

Tricksters are also often used to challenge traditional gender roles and power structures. In the works of Kingston, Erdrich, and Morrison, tricksters are portrayed as strong and independent women who defy societal expectations and challenge patriarchal norms. They are often depicted as survivors who have overcome adversity and emerged as leaders in their communities.

Furthermore, trickster narratives often incorporate elements of folklore and mythology, drawing on cultural traditions and symbols to enrich the storytelling. This fusion of different cultural elements creates a rich and complex tapestry of meaning that resonates with readers from diverse backgrounds.

In conclusion, Writing Tricksters is a valuable contribution to the study of contemporary literature and culture. By exploring the resurgence of tricksters in the works of American women writers, Smith highlights the importance of these characters in shaping our understanding of identity, culture, and power. Through their mischievous and subversive nature, tricksters challenge our assumptions and encourage us to think critically about the world around us. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature, cultural studies, and the power of storytelling.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 210 x 140 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520323384