Résumé de "Paradigms Of Paranoia : The Culture Of Conspiracy In Contemporary American Fiction"

A lively discussion of the prevalence of conspiracy thinking in American life, as reflected in contemporary literature. The recent popularity of The DaVinci Code and The Matrix trilogy exemplifies the fascination Americans have with conspiracy-driven subjects. Though scholars have suggested that in modern times the JFK assassination initiated an industry of conspiracy (i.e., Vietnam and the Pentagon Papers, Area 51, Iran-Contra Affair), Samuel Chase Coale reminds us in this book that conspiracy is foundational in American ... Lire la suite culture--from the apocalyptic Biblical narratives in early Calvinist households to the fear of Mormon, Catholic, Jewish, and immigrant populations in the 19th century. These narratives remind us that our historical sense of national identity has often been based on the demonizing of others and that American fiction arose and still flourishes with apocalyptic visions. "[Paradigms of Paranoia] is the most comprehensive and clear summary of the conspiracy theme yet available . . . and a useful scholarly resource. Coale is to be commended for grappling with the mass of writing, critical and creative, that both responds to and perpetuates the theme."--Joseph Tabbi, author of Cognitive Fictions