Subjectivity

New Critical Idiom

by Donald E. Hall

Explores the history of theories of selfhood, from the Classical era to the present, and demonstrates how those theories can be applied in literary and cultural criticism. Donald E. * examines all of the major methodologies and theoretical emphases of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, including psychoanalytic criticism, materialism, feminism and queer theory
* applies the theories discussed in detailed readings of literary and cultural texts, from novels and poetry to film and the visual arts
* offers a unique perspective on our current obsession with perfecting our selves
* looks to the future of selfhood given the new identity possibilities arising out of developing technologies. Examining some of the most exciting issues confronting cultural critics and readers today, Subjectivity is the essential introduction to a fraught but crucial critical term and a challenge to the way we define our selves.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Sajjad Pouya · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتابی با متن ثقیل و سخت خوانش برای من بود که ممکن است علت در ترجمه بد آن باشد.
به هر حال برای شروع مطالعه در خصوص سوژه گی مفید بود.

[Mehdi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is an introduction (a good one perhaps) to the structure of post-modern thought. It is maybe the nature of how post-modern theory is arranged, but indulging with the book feels like new worlds are opened up for the reader, but their visions are forcefully molded into positive ones, instead of the more obvious dystopic ones. I say that because in addressing the dilemmas and paradoxes of post-modernism, the author focuses more on what is now possible (comparing it generically to the pre-enlightenment era i.e. religious thought), the ways in which we are freer and more independent. The book also tries to cover the other side of the story, bringing up discussions on culture and language but in actuality fails to critically evaluate the extent to which it affects modern subjectivity. Furthermore, there is a general disregard for the intensity of politics, and the consequences of theory on the fabric of society. On the positive side, the book explains critical concepts utilizing movies (readers may get good movie recommendations out of this book), carefully historicizing them to provide key insights into cultural and literary elements of the past. In essence, it reconstructs culture, language, and thought in general through the use of literature (This was actually the best part. kudos to the author).
Conclusively, the book concerns itself (as claimed by the author) to address the freer agency of self, compares it to pre-modernism, and makes that as an argument to affirm the post-modern self and questions of agency. A read will give readers a bird's eye view of questions raised dealing with modern subjects and the self.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to the history of study that explores identity, the self, social constructs, feminist lit theory, and the more recent queer, lesbian, and disability lit studies. Hall writes in a way that makes difficult philosophical texts or theories far more graspable for anyone without formal education. The final chapter: Postmodernism and the Question of Agency, is inspired and fascinating, bringing together the clash that is subjectivity and personal responibility, which is in short, essential reading for everyone.

[Pe · Rating 5 out of 5]

clear & accessible intro to the topic

[JayCee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good introduction to subjectivity with a variety its variety of theories beginning from the Classical era to now.