Imre Szeman | Imagining the Future: Globalization, Postmodernism and Criticism

Abstract This essay examines the implications of globalization for literary criticism by contrasting it with postmodernism, another periodizing term that does similar kinds of conceptual work. Globalization is an anticipatory concept that offers a narrative of the future. Against this, literature and criticism offer imaginative resources for the articulation of alternative futures to those that… Continue reading Imre Szeman | Imagining the Future: Globalization, Postmodernism and Criticism

Marjolein van Tooren | De tweede-generatiemigrant als romantische held: het ‘geval’ Paul Smaïl en zijn roman Ali le Magnifique

Abstract Ever since Paul Smaïl started publishing his novels, literary critics wondered if there was a Frenchman hiding behind this name. Three years ago, Jack-Alain Léger revealed that he invented the writer, but without explaining why. Analysis of the three autobiographical novels of Smaïl and of his latest book, the controversial Ali le Magnifique, shows… Continue reading Marjolein van Tooren | De tweede-generatiemigrant als romantische held: het ‘geval’ Paul Smaïl en zijn roman Ali le Magnifique

Wang Ning | Postmodernity, Postcoloniality, and Globalization: A Mainly Chinese Cultural and Literary Perspective

Abstract This essay is the author’s continuous study of globalization. From a Chinese and Marxist perspective, the author offers his reconstruction of globalization: (1) as a way of global economic operation; (2) as a historical process; (3) as a process of financial marketization and political democratization; (4) as a critical concept; (5) as a narrative… Continue reading Wang Ning | Postmodernity, Postcoloniality, and Globalization: A Mainly Chinese Cultural and Literary Perspective