Love And Death In The American Novel Pdf
Introduction
The American novel has always been a reflection of American society, and as such, it deals with themes that are central to American life. One of the most important themes in American literature is the relationship between love and death. This theme has been explored in many different ways in literature, and it continues to be a popular subject for writers today. One of the most influential books on this subject is "Love and Death in the American Novel" by Leslie Fiedler. This book has had a profound impact on the way that scholars and readers think about the relationship between love and death in American literature.
The Author: Leslie Fiedler
Leslie Fiedler was an American literary critic and scholar who was born in 1917. He is best known for his book "Love and Death in the American Novel," which was first published in 1960. Fiedler was a controversial figure in the literary world, and his work was often criticized for being too subjective and ideological. However, his ideas about the relationship between love and death in American literature have had a lasting impact on the field.
The Book: Love and Death in the American Novel
"Love and Death in the American Novel" is a seminal work of literary criticism that explores the relationship between love and death in American literature. Fiedler argues that the American novel is fundamentally different from the European novel because it is more concerned with the relationship between the individual and society. He also argues that the American novel is obsessed with the relationship between love and death, and that this relationship is a central theme in American literature.
The book is divided into two parts. The first part explores the relationship between love and death in classic American literature, including the works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, and William Faulkner. The second part of the book looks at the relationship between love and death in contemporary American literature, including the works of Vladimir Nabokov, Norman Mailer, and J.D. Salinger.
The Relationship Between Love and Death
One of the key themes of "Love and Death in the American Novel" is the relationship between love and death. Fiedler argues that in American literature, love and death are often intertwined. He suggests that this is because American society is characterized by a sense of anxiety and insecurity, which is reflected in its literature.
Fiedler also argues that the relationship between love and death in American literature reflects the tension between individualism and conformity in American society. He suggests that American society values individualism, but at the same time, it also values conformity. This tension is reflected in American literature, where characters are often torn between their desire for individuality and their need to conform to social norms.
The Influence of "Love and Death in the American Novel"
"Love and Death in the American Novel" has had a significant influence on the way that scholars and readers think about American literature. Fiedler's ideas about the relationship between love and death have been widely debated and discussed, and his book continues to be an important point of reference for scholars working in the field of American literature.
The book has also had an impact on the way that writers approach the theme of love and death in their own work. Many contemporary writers have been influenced by Fiedler's ideas, and they have used his insights to create new and innovative works of literature.
Conclusion
"Love and Death in the American Novel" is an important book for anyone interested in American literature. Fiedler's insights into the relationship between love and death have had a lasting impact on the field, and his book continues to be an important point of reference for scholars and readers alike.