Title
The Pagan Writes Back: When World Religion Meets World Literature (Studies in Religion and Culture),Used
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In the first book to consider the study of world religion and world literature in concert, Zhange Ni proposes a new reading strategy that she calls 'pagan criticism,' which she applies not only to late twentieth and early twentyfirstcentury literary texts that engage the global resurgence of religion but also to the very concepts of religion and the secular. Focusing on two North American writers (the Jewish American Cynthia Ozick and the Canadian Margaret Atwood) and two East Asian writers (the Japanese Endo Shusaku and the Chinese Gao Xingjian), Ni reads their fiction, drama, and prose to envision a 'pagan (re)turn' in the study of world religion and world literature. In doing so, she highlights the historical complexities and contingencies in literary texts and challenges both Christian and secularist assumptions regarding aesthetics and hermeneutics.In assessing the collision of religion and literature, Ni argues that the clash has been not so much between monotheistic orthodoxies and the sanctification of literature as between the modern Western model of religion and the secular and its nonWestern others. When East and West converge under the rubric of paganism, she argues, the study of religion and literature develops into that of world religion and world literature.
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- Q: What is 'The Pagan Writes Back' about? A: 'The Pagan Writes Back' explores the intersection of world religion and world literature, introducing the concept of 'pagan criticism' as a new reading strategy. It analyzes literary works from both North American and East Asian authors, highlighting the complexities of religion and literature.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Pagan Writes Back' is Zhange Ni, who presents her insights on the relationship between religion and literature.
- Q: When was 'The Pagan Writes Back' published? A: 'The Pagan Writes Back' was published on May 21, 2015.
- Q: What is the format of this book? A: This book is available in paperback format.
- Q: How many pages does 'The Pagan Writes Back' have? A: 'The Pagan Writes Back' contains a total of 248 pages.
- Q: What are the main themes discussed in the book? A: The main themes include the relationship between modern Western religion and secularism, the clash of monotheistic orthodoxies with literature, and the concept of a 'pagan (re)turn' in literary studies.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, 'The Pagan Writes Back' is suitable for academic study, particularly for those interested in religion, literature, and cultural studies.
- Q: Does the book focus on specific authors? A: Yes, the book analyzes works by authors including Cynthia Ozick, Margaret Atwood, Endō Shūsaku, and Gao Xingjian.
- Q: What can I learn from 'The Pagan Writes Back'? A: Readers can learn about the complexities of interpreting literary texts through the lens of religion, and how these interpretations challenge traditional views of aesthetics and hermeneutics.
- Q: What is the condition of the book if I purchase it? A: 'The Pagan Writes Back' is available in new condition.