Insularity - representations and constructions of small worlds

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This collection explores the concept of insularity across various literary and cultural contexts. It begins with theoretical discussions on insularity, examining private circles and utopian islands, and how islands serve as metaphors for non-insularity. Contributions delve into literary perspectives, analyzing the archipelago and island genres. The focus then shifts to German literature, reflecting on themes such as seduction in Rilke’s work, heterotopic experiences in Walter Benjamin’s childhood, and multicultural representations in Lion Feuchtwanger’s narratives. The aesthetic of insularity is further explored through Judith Schalansky’s cartography and Christian Kracht’s examination of colonial legacies. The anthology also encompasses Maltese, English, and French literatures, discussing island myths and their evolution from Rabelais to contemporary authors. It highlights themes of emigration, colonial encounters, and the concept of insularity in American post-war writing. Additionally, it addresses the interplay between insularity and subjectivity in works by Coetzee and the creation of islands in Caribbean literatures. Finally, the collection investigates interculturality and intermediality, focusing on insular spaces in the arts, the relationship between Malta and modern art, and the mythic landscapes of Sicily in film. It concludes with discussions on the socio-political implications of islands in contemporary contexts