Focusing on the theme of PTSD, this book explores how Shakespeare's plays reflect the experiences of returning warriors and their struggles. By examining the emotional and psychological challenges faced by characters in Shakespeare's works, it draws parallels to contemporary issues of trauma and mental health in society, offering insights into how literature can illuminate the complexities of post-war experiences.
Exploring the intersection of literary influences, this work delves into Samuel Beckett's writings through the lenses of James Joyce and Surrealism. It highlights how Beckett both aligns with and diverges from these influential figures, showcasing his distinct approach and contributions to literature. The analysis reveals the complexities of his creative process and the ways in which these connections shaped his unique voice.
Exploring the semiotics of death and dying, this book delves into their representation in twentieth-century fiction, history, and culture. It examines how various narratives and cultural artifacts convey meanings associated with mortality, offering insights into societal attitudes toward death. The analysis highlights the evolution of these themes and their significance in shaping contemporary understanding of life and loss. Through a critical lens, it connects literary and historical contexts to broader cultural implications of death.
The Peruvian Mario Vargas Llosa has been acclaimed throughout the literary world as one of Latin America's finest writers, yet until recently little has been written about his work in English. While his work has the subject of an increasing flow of critical commentary in Spanish and his major novels have been translated into English, this is the first full-scale critical treatment of Vargas Llosa published in the English language. These articles by a number of established writers and critics appraise Vargas Llosa's individual novels as well as the body of his work. The Time of the Hero, The Green House, Conversation in The Cathedral, and Pantaleón y las visitadoras are examined in order of publication, A second group of more general essays ranges across Vargas Llosa's work and explores pervasive themes and concerns. Two pieces by José Miguel Oviedo serve as a coda. In a bilingual interview, Oviedo and Vargas Llosa discuss Vargas Llosa's novel La tía Julia y el escribidor. Oviedo concludes with a critical discussion of that novel. A Vargas Llosa chronology compiled by the editors is also included. Most of these essays originally appeared in 1977 as a special issue of Texas Studies in Literature and Language. The concluding essay by Oviedo was prepared especially for this edition.