Stanley Cavell, Literature, and Film

This book explores the connection between Stanley Cavell's philosophy and American literature, showcasing how they inform national identity and self-definition.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the intricate relationship between Stanley Cavell’s influential philosophical work and the representation of the United States in its literature. It emphasizes how literature and philosophy intertwine within the ethical and political framework of national identity. By delving into Cavell’s significant interpretations of American cultural figures, the text establishes a connection between his philosophical inquiries and the broader American national narrative.

Stanley Cavell, Literature, and Film presents original essays from a diverse group of philosophers and critics who explore Cavell’s engagements with notable American thinkers such as Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. These essays illustrate how Cavell’s philosophy encourages new modes of thinking and living, thereby enriching our understanding of American literature and culture. This volume is the first to provide an in-depth examination of the concept of 'America' as it appears in Cavell’s writings, offering insightful readings of American texts that demonstrate the relevance of his work to literary and film criticism.

The study underscores the pivotal role philosophy plays in shaping the American self-imaginary. It reveals the interconnectedness of literary interpretation and philosophical inquiry in the ongoing project of national self-definition. Through this exploration, Stanley Cavell, Literature, and Film invites readers to reconsider the ways in which philosophical thought influences our understanding of literature and, by extension, our national identity.