Overview
Literature in the Dawn of Sociological Theory: Stories that are Telling focuses on a selection of novelists from the early 1800s to the early 1900s and their contribution to the sociological imagination. Building on the aesthetic, sociological, and literary theories of Theodor Adorno, György Lukács, Fredric Jameson, Raymond Williams, Wolf Lepenies, Franco Moretti, Lucien Goldmann, John Orr, and others, the main chapters discuss Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Joseph Conrad, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Virginia Woolf, and Fyodor Dostoevsky. The concluding chapter reflects on the dawn of the modern era, especially the birth of capitalism and the plague crisis in Boccaccio’s Florence, as described in The Decameron. Throughout the text, the author considers these “stories that are telling” in light of social issues today. Sarah Louise MacMillen presents a case for highlighting the insight of the authors of the past, wherein these “fictional” accounts anticipate some of our contemporary social problems and conflicts. These include the environmental crisis, globalization, Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, “cancel culture,” debates about gender non-conformity, secularization, the call for solidarity in shifting patterns of social existence, and rebuilding society post-COVID.
Full Product Details
Author: Sarah Louise MacMillen
Publisher: Lexington Books
Imprint: Lexington Books
Dimensions:
Width: 16.10cm
, Height: 1.90cm
, Length: 22.70cm
Weight: 0.517kg
ISBN: 9781793628053
ISBN 10: 179362805
Pages: 180
Publication Date: 15 December 2021
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Manufactured on demand
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Reviews
In this important book, Sarah MacMillen moves easily between the domains of literature and the classical sociological tradition, demonstrating with considerable insight how the cross-fertilization of these discourses yields a more profound understanding of how the forces of industrialization, urbanization, secularization, capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism intersect powerfully with the biographical trajectories of individuals. MacMillen's profound examination of literature and the history of sociological thought is a boon to those of us who teach the theorists of the classical era. It makes salient the connection of sociology to the humanities, while highlighting the critical potential of sociological thought vis-à-vis capitalist modernity. Highly recommended! What does sociological theory have to say about literature? How can today's social problems and controversies be critiqued when looking back at such works as Moby Dick (Melville), Heart of Darkness (Conrad), Orlando (Woolf), The Scarlet Letter (Hawthorne), and Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment or Brothers Karamazov? In this collection, MacMillen reveals her extensive reading in religion, popular culture, sexuality, literary theory, and social philosophy. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.
In this important book, Sarah MacMillen moves easily between the domains of literature and the classical sociological tradition, demonstrating with considerable insight how the cross-fertilization of these discourses yields a more profound understanding of how the forces of industrialization, urbanization, secularization, capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism intersect powerfully with the biographical trajectories of individuals.--Anthony Haynor, Seton Hall University
What does sociological theory have to say about literature? How can today's social problems and controversies be critiqued when looking back at such works as Moby Dick (Melville), Heart of Darkness (Conrad), Orlando (Woolf), The Scarlet Letter (Hawthorne), and Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment or Brothers Karamazov? In this collection, MacMillen reveals her extensive reading in religion, popular culture, sexuality, literary theory, and social philosophy. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.-- Choice Reviews MacMillen's profound examination of literature and the history of sociological thought is a boon to those of us who teach the theorists of the classical era. It makes salient the connection of sociology to the humanities, while highlighting the critical potential of sociological thought vis-a-vis capitalist modernity. Highly recommended!--Peter C. Blum, Hillsdale College In this important book, Sarah MacMillen moves easily between the domains of literature and the classical sociological tradition, demonstrating with considerable insight how the cross-fertilization of these discourses yields a more profound understanding of how the forces of industrialization, urbanization, secularization, capitalism, patriarchy, and colonialism intersect powerfully with the biographical trajectories of individuals.--Anthony Haynor, Seton Hall University
Author Information
Sarah Louise MacMillen is associate professor of sociology and director of the Peace, Justice, and Conflict Resolution Minor Program at Duquesne University.
