Introduction to posthumanism, guiding ideas and tenets -- The handmaid's tale and The Testaments. From dystopian departure to utopian inspiration -- MaddAddam : eternal return? -- The heart goes last : Dante's Inferno in the 21st Century.
Summary:
"In this book, Margaret Atwood's dystopian novels-The Handmaid's Tale, The MaddAddam trilogy, The Heart Goes Last and The Testaments-are analyzed from the perspective provided by the combined views of the construction of the posthuman subject in its interactions with science and technology, and the Anthropocene as a cultural field of enquiry. Posthumanist critical concerns try to dismantle anthropocentric notions of the human and defend the need for a closer relationship between humanity and the environment. Supported by the exemplification of the generic characteristics of the cli-fi genre, this book discusses the effects of climate change, at the individual level, and as a collective threat that can lead to a "world without us." Moreover, Margaret Atwood is herself the constant object of extensive academic interest and Posthuman theory is widely taught, researched and explored in almost every intellectual field. My book is aimed at world-wide readers, not only those interested in Margaret Atwood's oeuvre, but also those interested in the debate between critical posthumanism and transhumanism, together with the ethical implications of living in the Anthropocene era regarding our daily lives and practices. It will be especially attractive for academics: university teachers, post-graduates, researchers, and college students in general"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.