Suman Gupta Livres

This is the first extended text-based analysis of the social and political implications of the Harry Potter phenomenon. Arguments are primarily based on close readings of the first four Harry Potter books and the first two films - in other words, a 'text-to-world' method is followed. This study does not assume that the phenomenon concerns children alone, or should be lightly dismissed as a matter of pure entertainment. The amount of money, media coverage, and ideological unease involved indicates otherwise. The first part provides a survey of responses (both of general readers and critics) to the Harry Potter books. Some of the methodological decisions underlying this study itself are also explained here. The second part examines the presentation of certain themes, including gender, race and desire, in the Harry Potter books, with a view to understanding how these may impinge on social and political concerns of our world.

"'Contemporary Literature' is a familiar phrase and one of the most popular areas of literary study. But it can be a difficult category to pin down and readers don't have the benefit of a large body of critical secondary literature to consult. Contemporary Literature: The Basics equips readers with the necessary tools to take an analytical and systematic approach to contemporary literary texts. Focusing in particular on the contemporariness of the literature, the books covers: Can there ever be a canon of contemporary literature? How does a reader's own place in the contemporary period impact their understanding of contemporary literature? When does a work of contemporary literature stop being contemporary? Which are the key concepts and themes that are most prevalent in contemporary literature? Containing illustrative examples from prose, poetry and drama, and discussing the topics which define our current sense of the contemporary (globalization, new media, post 9-11) this is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking to engage critically with contemporary literature"--

Focusing on socialist political philosophy, the book explores the role of intellectuals within various socialist frameworks and their interpretations of history. It reflects on the evolution of these roles post-1960s and examines the possibilities and practicalities of transformative socialist politics today. The author advocates for a purposeful commitment to egalitarian principles, aiming to reconceptualize the relationship between intellectuals and socialism in contemporary society.

Exploring the evolution of modern English Studies, the book examines its roots in philological scholarship through two distinct paths: the development of institutional histories and the divergence between literary criticism and linguistics. It highlights how these elements have shaped the academic landscape and the study of English literature and language.

Exploring the intersection of corporate capitalism and political governance, this book serves as a foundational resource for readers interested in understanding the implications of corporate influence on state affairs. It delves into the challenges posed by the merging of business interests with political power, making it essential for those concerned about the erosion of democratic principles in contemporary society.

The book offers a comprehensive examination of literary works produced in response to the Iraq invasion, analyzing their political stances and insights. It investigates how these texts reflect the state of literature during this tumultuous period, highlighting the diverse perspectives and contributions of authors grappling with the conflict's implications. Through this survey, the book sheds light on the intersection of literature and politics in a significant historical context.

Digital India and The Poor examines how the poor are evoked in contemporary Indian political discourse. It studies the ways in which the disadvantaged are accounted for in the increasingly digitised political economy, commercial and public policy, media, and academic research. This book: Interrogates the category of the poor in India and how they have come to be classified in economic and policy documents over the past few decades Explores the influential digital education technology 'experiments' conducted in Indian slums from the late 1990s, now popularly known as the 'hole-in-the-wall experiments' Discusses financial inclusion initiatives, predominantly as they converged between 2014 and 2017, such as the Jan Dhan Yojana, the Aadhaar Project, and the banknote demonetisation Presents an in-depth study of the bearing of technology on domestic employment in India The book will be of great interest to scholars and researchers of South Asian studies, politics, political science and sociology, technology studies, linguistics, and development studies.

A provocative and highly original exploration of suicides that have gained wider political resonance, and the challenge this poses to the liberal order.