Identity, Politics and the Novel

Zusammenfassung A critical examination of novels by Milan Kundera! Ian McEwan! Michel Houellebecq and J. M. Coetzee to explore aesthetically our understanding of different forms of identity! through the lens of classical and contemporary political! philosophical and social theory from within the Marxist aesthetic tradition.

Autorentext

Ian Fraser is Senior Lecturer in Politics at Loughborough University.

Klappentext

A critical examination of novels by Milan Kundera, Ian McEwan, Michel Houellebecq and J. M. Coetzee to explore aesthetically our understanding of different forms of identity, through the lens of classical and contemporary political, philosophical and social theory from within the Marxist aesthetic tradition.

Inhalt

Introduction Part I: Milan Kundera 1. The Unbearable Lightness of Being: Friedrich Nietzsche and Art as Self- Creation 2. Identity: G. W. F. Hegel's Theory of Recognition Part II: Ian McEwan 3. Atonement: E. P. Thompson and Class Experience 4. Saturday: Julia Kristeva on Abjection Part III: Michel Houellebecq 5. Atomised: Henri Lefebvre and Alienation 6. Platform: Albert Camus and the Absurd Part IV: J.M. Coetzee 7. Disgrace: Thomas Aquinas and the Path to Prudence 8. Diary of a Bad Year: Theodor Adorno on Commitment 9. Conclusion: The Aesthetic Moment