American Classics
Evolutionary Perspectives
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https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/20.500.12657/29567/1/1000365.pdf
Author(s)
Saunders, Judith
Collection
Knowledge Unlatched (KU)Language
EnglishAbstract
This collection of essays offers evolutionary psychological analysis of selected works from the American literary tradition. Application of evolutionary theory to writing by Ben Franklin, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Mark Twain, Walt Whitman, Edith Wharton, F. Scot Fitzgerald, Zora Neal Hurston, and others creates an interdisciplinary framework for examining key textual features—plot, theme, tone, setting, symbol, characterization, point of view—and at the same time provides an accessible introduction to Darwinian literary critical methodology. Pertinent scientific research, together with essential terms and concepts, is explained in context. Connections are made throughout to existing commentary on the targeted texts, illustrating how Darwinian scrutiny can enrich, extend, or reconfigure understandings derived from other critical approaches.
Keywords
Literature; Classic Literature; Evolution; American Literature; Essays; Evolutionary Theory; Literary Tradition; Darwinian literary critical methodology; Henry David ThoreauISBN
9781618115928Publisher
Academic Studies PressPublisher website
http://www.academicstudiespress.com/Publication date and place
2018-06-30Grantor
Classification
Literary studies: general