Entanglements, Narratives, and the Environment: Inter-American Perspectives

Entanglements, Narratives, and the Environment: Inter-American Perspectives provides an interdisciplinary ecocritical reading of narratives and environmental entanglements from an Inter-American perspective, predominantly providing literary, film, and cultural analysis of texts from the Americas. In light of Amitav Ghosh’s (2016) exploration of ＂a crisis of the imagination＂ in the face of climate change and environmental degradation, this book addresses the potential of literature, history, and politics in comprehending the profound dimensions and violence of these challenges. The chapters show, among others, that the Anthropocene demands fresh narratives and theoretical perspectives, particularly within the framework of Inter-American Studies, which can offer a new venue to discuss pressing issues and to provide intersectional and inter-regional considerations. Thus, drawing on Inter-American perspective with its hemispheric perspectives opens the possibilities for an ecocritical reading of the complexities and relationalities of the climate crisis in the humanities as well as the social sciences. As a result, the book includes historical and political analysis, as well as literary, cultural and film analysis of texts from the Americas. The chapters engage in deconstructing popular myths, de-centering Western approaches, and eventually show through these critical engagements how the climate crisis demands multi-dimensional readings.

Eva Bauer earned her Joint Master’s degree in English and American Studies from the University of Graz (Austria) and the Université Paris Cité (France).

Nicole Haring is senior scientist at the Center for Inter-American Studies at the University of Graz, Austria

Roberta Maierhofer is professor of American studies and director of the Center for Inter-American Studies at the University of Graz, Austria.