Focusing on the concept of narrative empathy, this collection showcases Suzanne Keen's significant contributions to the study of empathy in literature. It explores how reading can evoke empathetic responses and fosters interdisciplinary discussions surrounding this theme, establishing narrative empathy as a distinct area of inquiry.
The book explores the emerging genre of British fiction that incorporates archives and archival research, highlighting works from A.S. Byatt's acclaimed "Possession" to popular paperback thrillers. It delves into how these elements shape narratives and character development, providing insights into the interplay between history and storytelling in contemporary literature.
This revised and expanded handbook concisely introduces narrative form to advanced students of fiction and creative writing, with refreshed references and new discussions of cognitive approaches to narrative, nonfiction, and narrative emotions.
Exploring the intersection of psychology and literature, this work delves into Thomas Hardy's engagement with Victorian brain science and neurology. Susanne Keen analyzes Hardy's evolving understanding of consciousness and the mind through his extensive reading notes, revealing how these influences shaped his narrative techniques and poetic imagery. By examining how Hardy's literary imagination was informed by contemporary psychological thought, the book offers fresh insights into his unique representations of mental states in both his fiction and poetry.