Today's critical establishment assumes that sentimentalism is an
eighteenth- and nineteenth-century literary mode that all but
disappeared by the twentieth century. In this book, Jennifer
Williamson argues that sentimentalism is alive and well in the
modern era. By examining working-class literature that adopts the
rhetoric of "feeling right" in order to promote a proletarian or
humanist ideology as well as neo-slave narratives that wrestle with
the legacy of slavery and cultural definitions of African American
families, she explores the ways contemporary authors engage with
familiar sentimental cliches and ideals. Williamson covers new
ground by exploring authors who are not generally read for their
sentimental narrative practices, considering the proletarian novels
of Grace Lumpkin, Josephine Johnson, and John Steinbeck alongside
neo-slave narratives written by Margaret Walker, Octavia Butler,
and Toni Morrison. Through careful close readings, Williamson
argues that the appropriation of sentimental modes enables both
sympathetic thought and systemic action in the proletarian and
neo-slave novels under discussion. She contrasts appropriations
that facilitate such cultural work with those that do not,
including Kathryn Stockett's novel and film The Help. The book
outlines how sentimentalism remains a viable and important means of
promoting social justice while simultaneously recognizing and
exploring how sentimentality can further white privilege.
Sentimentalism is not only alive in the twentieth century. It is a
flourishing rhetorical practice among a range of twentieth-century
authors who use sentimental tactics in order to appeal to their
readers about a range of social justice issues. This book
demonstrates that at stake in their appeals is who is inside and
outside of the American family and nation.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
