An Exploration of Liminality and Transnationalism in American Literature and Culture
"Spaces, Bodies, Borders: Routledge Transnational Perspectives on American Literature and Culture" is a seminal work that offers a groundbreaking exploration of the complex interplay between spaces, bodies, and borders in American literature and culture. Edited by esteemed scholars Charles Forsdick, Suzanne Raitt, and Pamela R. Matthews, this volume brings together a diverse range of essays that delve into the ways in which these concepts shape and are shaped by the American experience.
4.2 out of 5
| Language | : | English |
| File size | : | 1071 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | : | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | : | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | : | Enabled |
| Word Wise | : | Enabled |
| Print length | : | 210 pages |
Liminality and the Spaces of In-Between
One of the central themes explored in "Spaces, Bodies, Borders" is the concept of liminality, a state of transition and ambiguity that exists between established categories and social norms. The contributors to this volume examine how liminal spaces, such as borders, frontiers, and urban margins, become sites of contestation, negotiation, and cultural exchange.
In her essay, "Liminal Geographies: Border Crossings and the American Imagination," Amy Kaplan analyzes the ways in which the border between the United States and Mexico has been represented in American literature and culture. She argues that this border is not merely a physical barrier but also a symbolic space that produces and reproduces social and cultural hierarchies.
Bodily Boundaries and the Politics of Embodiment
Another significant focus of "Spaces, Bodies, Borders" is the examination of bodily boundaries and the politics of embodiment. The essays in this section explore how bodies become sites of inscription and regulation, and how they are used to construct and maintain social and cultural power.
In her essay, "Performing Blackness on the American Stage: Minstrel Shows and the Liminal Body," Shirley Anne Williams examines the ways in which the black body has been represented and commodified in American popular culture. She argues that the minstrel show, a form of entertainment that emerged in the 19th century, served as a powerful tool for reinforcing white supremacy and racializing black bodies.
Transnational Flows and the Global Landscape
"Spaces, Bodies, Borders" also addresses the impact of transnational flows and the global landscape on American literature and culture. The contributors to this volume explore how the movement of people, ideas, and commodities across borders has transformed the ways in which we understand American identity and culture.
In his essay, "Transnational American Literature: Remapping the Boundaries of Identity," Ilan Stavans argues that American literature is no longer confined to the limits of the nation-state. He examines the works of writers such as Junot Díaz, Amy Tan, and Salman Rushdie to demonstrate how these writers are creating new forms of American identity that transcend traditional national boundaries.
: The Enduring Legacy of "Spaces, Bodies, Borders"
"Spaces, Bodies, Borders: Routledge Transnational Perspectives on American Literature and Culture" is an invaluable resource for scholars and students interested in the intersection of space, bodies, and borders in American literature and culture. Its interdisciplinary approach and diverse range of perspectives provide a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of these complex topics.
The volume's contributions have had a lasting impact on the field, shaping critical discussions about liminality, bodily boundaries, transnationalism, and the ways in which these concepts continue to shape American identity and culture. As a result, "Spaces, Bodies, Borders" remains an essential text for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of American society and culture.
