In this work, the author contends that we should create a comparative framework for the study of imaginary worlds in the social sciences. Making use of extended examples from both science fiction and fantasy fiction, as well as the living movement of steampunk, the reader is invited to an argument about how best to define imaginary worlds and approach them as social locations for qualitative research. It is suggested in this volume that increasing economic and existential forms of alienation fuel the contemporary surge of participation in imaginary worlds (from gaming worlds to young adult novels) and impel a search for more humane forms of social and cultural organization. Suggestions are made about the usefulness of imaginary worlds to social scientists as places for both testing out theoretical formulations and as tools for teaching in our classrooms.
Author(s): Wayne Fife
Series: Palgrave Studies in Literary Anthropology
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2022
Language: English
Pages: 159
City: Cham
Acknowledgments
Contents
Chapter 1: Imaginary Worlds in a Comparative Framework
Why Should We Care?
What Is an Imaginary World?
Deep Worlds Versus Shallow Worlds
Imaginary Worlds Versus the Standard World
Additional Reasons to Study Imaginary Worlds in a Comparative Framework
Anthropology and Literature
An Invitation to an Argument
The Rest of the Book
Chapter 2: Steampunk as Stealth Politics
Introduction
Mobility as Politics
Goggles and Gargoyles
The Good, the Bad, and the Pragmatic
Conclusion
Chapter 3: The Perils of Belief: Fantasy Fiction as Narrative Theology
Introduction
Fantasy Fiction as Narrative Theology
Plot Summary
The Unbeliever: Thomas Covenant
Absolute Belief: Warmark Hile Troy and High Lord Elena
The Hazards of Belief: Bannor the Bloodguard and Saltheart Foamfollower
Moderated Belief and a Questioning Faith: Lord Mhoram
Laughter and Despair: Two Sides of the Human Coin
Chapter 4: Androids as Slaves: Lessons from the Science Fiction of Philip K. Dick
Introduction
Synopsis
Of Androids and Humans
Revolt
Rationalizing Slavery Through Processes of Objectification
The Empathy Box
The Penfield
Androids as Objects: The Price of Revolt
Chapter 5: Imaginary Worlds and Contemporary Alienation
Comparing Worlds
Alienation and Imaginary Worlds
Economic (Material) Forms of Alienation
Existential Alienation
Alienated Humanity: In Search of New Worlds
Appendix A: Marxist Approaches to Speculative Fiction
References Cited
Index
