Space is a central topic in cultural and narrative theory today, although in most cases theory assumes Newtonian absolute space. However, the idea of a universal homogeneous space is now obsolete. Black holes, multiple dimensions, quantum entanglement, and spatio-temporal distortions of relativity have passed into culture at large. This book examines whether narrative can be used to represent these "impossible" spaces.
Impossible topologies abound in ancient mythologies, from the Australian Aborigines' "dream-time" to the multiple-layer universe of the Sumerians. More recently, from Alice's adventures in Wonderland to contemporary science fiction's obsession with black holes and quantum paradoxes, counter-intuitive spaces are a prominent feature of modern and postmodern narrative. With the rise and popularization of science fiction, the inventiveness and variety of impossible narrative spaces explodes. The author analyses the narrative techniques used to represent such spaces alongside their cultural significance. Each chapter connects narrative deformation of space with historical problematic of time, and demonstrates the cognitive and perceptual primacy of narrative in representing, imagining and apprehending new forms of space and time.
This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the connection between narratology, cultural theory, science fiction, and studies of place.
| ISBN: | 9781138547926 |
| Publication date: | 6th February 2018 |
| Author: | Elana Gomel |
| Publisher: | Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 236 pages |
| Series: | Routledge Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Literature |
| Genres: |
Cultural studies Literary studies: general History |
Space is a central topic in cultural and narrative theory today, although in most cases theory assumes Newtonian absolute space. However, the idea of a universal homogeneous space is now obsolete. Black holes, multiple dimensions, quantum entanglement, and spatio-temporal distortions of relativity have passed into culture at large. This book examines whether narrative can be used to represent these "impossible" spaces.
Impossible topologies abound in ancient mythologies, from the Australian Aborigines' "dream-time" to the multiple-layer universe of the Sumerians. More recently, from Alice's adventures in Wonderland to contemporary science fiction's obsession with black holes and quantum paradoxes, counter-intuitive spaces are a prominent feature of modern and postmodern narrative. With the rise and popularization of science fiction, the inventiveness and variety of impossible narrative spaces explodes. The author analyses the narrative techniques used to represent such spaces alongside their cultural significance. Each chapter connects narrative deformation of space with historical problematic of time, and demonstrates the cognitive and perceptual primacy of narrative in representing, imagining and apprehending new forms of space and time.
This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the connection between narratology, cultural theory, science fiction, and studies of place.
Narrative Space and Time features in the following genres: Cultural studies, Literary studies: general, History
Narrative Space and Time is available in Paperback, Hardback, Ebook
Narrative Space and Time was written by Elana Gomel and published by Routledge an imprint of Taylor & Francis
Narrative Space and Time has 236 pages
Yes it is part of Routledge Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Literature series
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