Chaos Theory and the Interpretation of Literary Texts: The Case of Kurt Vonnegut (Studies in American Literature) [Hardcover]

Kevin A. Boon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1997 | ISBN-10: 0773485538 | ISBN-13: 978-0773485532

Presenting the principles articulated in chaos theory as rewarding methods for examining literature, this volume examines the shift from modernism to postmodernism, dating the transition to the bombing of Hiroshima. The text also seeks to redefine anterior definitions of chaos and functions as an introduction to the fundamental tenets of choas theory. The final section of the book deploys chaos theory as a critical approach in its examination of Vonnegut scholarship: how a body of fiction that repeatedly focuses upon death camps, unjust prosecutions, vicious and elitist ideological practices, war, greed, futility, and failure can remain affirmative.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 191 pages
• Publisher: Edwin Mellen Pr (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773485538
• ISBN-13: 978-0773485532
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,381,040 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars not worth it, April 1, 2000

By 

skeezer "skeezer" (Salem, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chaos Theory and the Interpretation of Literary Texts: The Case of Kurt Vonnegut (Studies in American Literature) (Hardcover)

This book is not good at the following things: 1. analyzing Kurt Vonnegut (as literature) 2. understanding and analyzing chaos theory 3. analyzing chaos theory in Kurt Vonnegut 4. living up to its title

It is worth a look for the die-hard Vonnegut fans, but if you are interested in chaos theory, this is not the book for you.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As a literary work..., January 29, 2004

By 

E. D. White (Chicago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chaos Theory and the Interpretation of Literary Texts: The Case of Kurt Vonnegut (Studies in American Literature) (Hardcover)

The book, as the author explains, is not a science text; it is a fresh look at Vonnegut's writing. As such, it offers important insight into one of the twentieth century's most interesting writers.