Foucault and Literature
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Author Description
The writings of the French historian, literary critic and philosopher Michel Foucault have been of immense importance to developments in literary studies since the late 1970s. He, more than anyone, stands behind the `new historicism' and `cultural materialism' that currently dominate international literary studies. Simon During provides a detailed introduction to the whole body of Foucault's work, with a particular emphasis on his literary theory. His study takes in Foucault's early studies of `transgressive' writing from Sade and Artaud to the French `new novellists' of the 1960s, and his later concern with the genealogy of the author/intellectual, writing and theorizing within specific, historical mechanisms of social control and production. Foucault and Literature offers a critique both of Foucault and of the literary studies that have been influenced by him, and goes on to develop new methods of post-Foucauldian literary/cultural analysis.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates the profound impact of Michel Foucault’s philosophical framework on the evolution of modern literary studies. Simon During, an expert in cultural studies, examines how Foucault’s theories regarding power, discourse, and history reshaped academic approaches to literature. The text provides a comprehensive overview of Foucault’s intellectual trajectory, arguing that his work serves as the primary foundation for contemporary movements such as new historicism and cultural materialism. During balances this historical analysis with a critical assessment of Foucault’s own limitations and the subsequent methodologies that have emerged in his wake.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- An examination of Foucault’s early focus on transgressive writing, including works by Sade and Artaud.
- A detailed exploration of the genealogy of the author and the intellectual within social control mechanisms.
- A critical review of the influence of new historicism and cultural materialism on international literary studies.
- A proposed framework for post-Foucauldian methods of cultural and literary analysis.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of post-structuralist philosophy and literary theory. The prose is noted for its academic rigor, making it a standard reference for those navigating the complexities of Foucault’s influence on the humanities.
Page Count:
0
Publication Date:
2004-01-01
Publisher:
Taylor & Francis Group Plc
ISBN-10:
020337147X
ISBN-13:
9780203371473
Philosophy
Non-Fiction
Literary Criticism
Influence
Contributions in criticism
Views on literature
English literature
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