Member-only story

The Figure of the Map in Contemporary Theory and Fiction: A Journey Through Routledge Studies

Jessie Cox

·19.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Cartographic Strategies Of Postmodernity: The Figure Of The Map In Contemporary Theory And Fiction (Routledge Studies In Twentieth Century Literature)

4 min read · 6 days before

709 View Claps

70 Respond

Save

Listen

In the realm of contemporary theory and fiction, maps emerge not merely as navigational tools but as profound metaphors and narrative devices, shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Cartographic Strategies of Postmodernity: The Figure of the Map in Contemporary Theory and Fiction (Routledge Studies in Twentieth-Century Literature)

by Peta Mitchell

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8006 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	231 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

In "The Figure of the Map in Contemporary Theory and Fiction," a thought-provoking volume in the Routledge Studies series, scholars from diverse disciplines converge to explore the transformative power of maps beyond their traditional cartographic purpose. This captivating anthology unravels the multifaceted ways in which maps have permeated the landscape of contemporary literature, theory, and cultural studies.

Maps as Multifaceted Metaphors

The essays in this volume illuminate maps as multifaceted metaphors that transcend their literal function. They unveil how maps reflect our attempts to impose Free Download and meaning upon the often chaotic and labyrinthine world around us. Maps become symbols of knowledge, power, and control, shaping our perceptions and influencing our actions.

In contemporary fiction, maps serve as potent narrative devices, providing a framework for storytelling while simultaneously challenging its conventions. The book examines how maps disrupt traditional linear narratives, creating non-linear structures that mirror the complexities of our postmodern world.

The Spatial Turn in Theory and Literature

The book also delves into the broader context of the "spatial turn" in contemporary theory and literature. This shift towards a spatial understanding of the world has led to a renewed appreciation for the role of space in shaping human experience and identity.

Maps, as representations of space, become crucial tools for exploring this spatial turn. They challenge our traditional notions of place, distance, and boundaries, inviting us to rethink our relationship with the environment and with each other.

Unveiling the Hidden Layers of Maps

The essays in "The Figure of the Map" delve deep into the hidden layers of maps, revealing their intricate relationship with power, ideology, and subjectivity. They expose how maps can be used to perpetuate dominant narratives and marginalize certain perspectives.

By examining the ways in which maps are produced, interpreted, and contested, the book sheds light on the complex interplay between cartography and social, political, and cultural forces.

Maps and the Literary Imagination

Finally, the book explores the profound impact of maps on the literary imagination. Maps inspire writers to create intricate worlds, challenge narrative conventions, and reflect the complexities of human experience. From Jorge Luis Borges' labyrinthine libraries to the fragmented landscapes of Salman Rushdie's novels, maps become integral to the storytelling process.

"The Figure of the Map in Contemporary Theory and Fiction" is an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of maps, literature, and theory. Its thought-provoking essays offer a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the transformative power of maps in shaping our understanding of the world and ourselves.

Through its meticulous analysis and insightful perspectives, this volume invites us to embark on an intellectual journey, where the familiar figure of the map is transformed into a dynamic and multidimensional symbol that challenges our perceptions and expands our horizons.

Cartographic Strategies of Postmodernity: The Figure of the Map in Contemporary Theory and Fiction (Routledge Studies in Twentieth-Century Literature)

by Peta Mitchell

5 out of 5