Narrative space and time: representing impossible topologies in literature

by Gomel, Elana

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Title Statements

Full title :Narrative space and time : representing impossible topologies in literature / Elana Gomel.

Summary

"Space is a central topic in cultural and narrative theory today, although in most cases theory assumes Newtonian absolute space. However, the idea of a universal homogeneous space is now obsolete. Black holes, multiple dimensions, quantum entanglement, and spatio-temporal distortions of relativity have passed into culture at large. This book examines whether narrative can be used to represent these "impossible" spaces. Impossible topologies abound in ancient mythologies, from the Australian Aborigines' "dream-time" to the multiple-layer universe of the Sumerians. More recently, from Alice's adventures in Wonderland to contemporary science fiction's obsession with black holes and quantum paradoxes, counter-intuitive spaces are a prominent feature of modern and postmodern narrative. With the rise and popularization of science fiction, the inventiveness and variety of impossible narrative spaces explodes. The author analyses the narrative techniques used to represent such spaces alongside their cultural significance. Each chapter connects narrative deformation of space with historical problematic of time, and demonstrates the cognitive and perceptual primacy of narrative in representing, imagining and apprehending new forms of space and time. This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the connection between narratology, cultural theory, science fiction, and studies of place"--

Edition Statements

Publication Date:2014.

Publication Statements

Publisher(s):Routledge
Place of Publication:New York
Language:eng
Publication Date:2014.

The Physical Object

Description:1 online resource

Edition Identifiers

ISBN:9781134519705, 1134519702, 9781315889528, 1306460352, 9781306460354, 1315889528, 9781315889528, 9781134519637, 113451963X
oclc:ocn872273489
LC Classification:PN56.S667
Dewey Decimal:809.3/8762

Introduction I: Space -- Introduction II: Time -- Chapter 1: Layering; Or the City of Two Tales -- Chapter 2: Flickering; Or Ghosts of Space -- Chapter 3: Embedding; Or the Pocket Universe -- Chapter 4: Wormholing; Or the Darkness Within -- Chapter 5: Sidestepping; Or Dimensions of Divinity -- Chapter 6: Collapsing; Or Urban Black Holes -- Postscript:?A King of Infinite Space?

Subjects

BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY -- Literary Criticism, interpretation, etc Imaginary places in literature Lieu (Philosophie) dans la littérature Lieux imaginaires -- Dans la littérature Literary Criticism -- General Literature Literature -- History And Criticism Littérature -- Histoire et critique Narration Narration (Rhetoric) Place (Philosophy) in literature Science fiction Science fiction -- History and criticism Space and time in literature