Title
Hidden in Plain View: Narrative and Creative Potentials in 'War and Peace',Used
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For decades, the formal peculiarities of War and Peace disturbed Russian and Western critics, who attributed both the anomalous structure and the literary power of the book to Tolstoy's 'primitive,' unruly genius. Using that critical history as a starting point, this volume recaptures the overwhelming sense of strangeness felt by the work's first readers and thereby illuminates Tolstoy's theoretical and narratological concerns.The author demonstrates that the formal peculiarities of War and Peace were deliberate, designed to elude what Tolstoy regarded as the falsifying constraints of all narratives, both novelistic and historical. Developing and challenging the ideas of Mikhail Bakhtin, Morson explores Tolstoy's account of the work's composition in light of various myths of the creative process. He proposes a theory of 'creation by potential' that incorporates Tolstoy's main concerns: the 'openness' of each historical moment; the role of chance in history and within narrative patterns; and the efficacy of ordinary events, 'hidden in plain view,' in shaping history and individual psychology. In his reading of Tolstoy, he demonstrates how we read literary works within the 'penumbral text' of associated theories of creativity.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Hidden in Plain View'? A: The main theme of 'Hidden in Plain View' revolves around the exploration of the narrative structure and creative processes in 'War and Peace', focusing on how Tolstoy's choices reflect his theoretical concerns about history and storytelling.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: 'Hidden in Plain View' is authored by Gary Saul Morson, a scholar known for his work on Russian literature and narrative theory.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book contains 336 pages, providing an in-depth analysis of Tolstoy's 'War and Peace'.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: 'Hidden in Plain View' is available in a paperback binding, making it suitable for casual reading and easy handling.
- Q: When was 'Hidden in Plain View' published? A: The book was published on December 1, 1988.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book offers critical insights and theoretical discussions that can be valuable for academic study, particularly in literature and narrative theory.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn from this book? A: Readers can expect to learn about Tolstoy's narrative techniques, his philosophical approach to history, and the significance of seemingly ordinary events in shaping narratives.
- Q: Does the book include any references to other literary theories? A: Yes, Morson develops and challenges the ideas of Mikhail Bakhtin, providing a broader context for understanding Tolstoy's work.
- Q: Is there a specific audience for this book? A: The book is primarily aimed at scholars, students of literature, and anyone interested in the complexities of Tolstoy's writing and narrative structure.
- Q: What makes this book unique? A: This book is unique for its focus on the formal peculiarities of 'War and Peace', arguing that these elements are intentional and crucial for understanding Tolstoy's artistic vision.