The Social Conscience of Latin American Writing
Published on 1. April 1998
Book
Paperback/Softback
199 pages
978-0-292-74699-2 (ISBN)
Description
A CHOICE Outstanding Academic Book
Literature in Latin America has long been a vehicle for debates over the interpretation of social history, cultural identity, and artistic independence. Indeed, Latin American literature has gained international respect for its ability to present social criticism through works of imaginative creation.
In this comprehensive, up-to-the-minute survey of research and opinion by leading Latin American cultural and literary critics, Naomi Lindstrom examines five concepts that are currently the focus of intense debate among Latin American writers and thinkers. Writing in simple, clear terms for both general and specialist readers of Latin American literature, she explores the concepts of autonomy and dependency, postmodernism, literary intellectuals and the mass media, testimonial literature, and gender issues, including gay and lesbian themes. Excerpts (in English) from relevant literary works illustrate each concept, while Lindstrom also traces its passage from the social sciences to literature.
Literature in Latin America has long been a vehicle for debates over the interpretation of social history, cultural identity, and artistic independence. Indeed, Latin American literature has gained international respect for its ability to present social criticism through works of imaginative creation.
In this comprehensive, up-to-the-minute survey of research and opinion by leading Latin American cultural and literary critics, Naomi Lindstrom examines five concepts that are currently the focus of intense debate among Latin American writers and thinkers. Writing in simple, clear terms for both general and specialist readers of Latin American literature, she explores the concepts of autonomy and dependency, postmodernism, literary intellectuals and the mass media, testimonial literature, and gender issues, including gay and lesbian themes. Excerpts (in English) from relevant literary works illustrate each concept, while Lindstrom also traces its passage from the social sciences to literature.
Reviews / Votes
Lindstrom's concise, yet sophisticated, synthesis sets out the broad, complex, and interrelated themes of social and economic inequalities between cultures and nations; the meaning of postmodernism in Latin American culture; the difficulty of obtaining first-hand accounts from nonmainstream groups; the effects of technology on modern life; and the incorporation of gendered perspectives into the critical discourse. Lindstrom writes for the English speaking non-specialist, but specialists will also welcome her cogent exposition of significant, but often confusing, issues. (Hispanic Review)More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Austin, TX
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-292-74699-2 (9780292746992)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Naomi Lindstrom is Professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Texas at Austin and is affiliated with the Program in Comparative Literature.
Content
Acknowledgments
Introduction
One. Autonomy and Dependency in Latin American Writing
Two. Postmodernism in Latin American Literary Culture
Three. Testimonial Narrative: Whose Text?
Four. Literary Intellectuals and Mass Media
Five. Latin American Women's Writing and Gender Issues in Criticism
Conclusion
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index
Introduction
One. Autonomy and Dependency in Latin American Writing
Two. Postmodernism in Latin American Literary Culture
Three. Testimonial Narrative: Whose Text?
Four. Literary Intellectuals and Mass Media
Five. Latin American Women's Writing and Gender Issues in Criticism
Conclusion
Notes
Selected Bibliography
Index