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The Unintended Reader

Feminism and Manon Lescaut

Naomi Segal author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Cambridge University Press

Published:14th Aug '86

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This book offers a deep analysis of literature through psychoanalysis and feminism, particularly focusing on The Unintended Reader and its thematic intricacies.

This insightful exploration titled The Unintended Reader delves into the intricate layers of literature through the lenses of psychoanalysis, feminism, and literary criticism. The author embarks on a thorough analysis of the narrative surrounding a young man's obsession with a femme fatale, examining how the narrator shapes this captivating tale. The text not only seeks to uncover the depth of the protagonist's passion but also aims to highlight the contributions of feminist criticism in understanding the underlying mechanisms at play within the story.

Divided into three distinct parts, The Unintended Reader first presents a close reading that emphasizes the narrator's complex relationship with language. This foundational analysis sets the stage for a deeper investigation into the text's thematic elements. In the second part, the author identifies and discusses four central themes that emerge within the language and structure of the narrative: money, the portrayal of women, the notion of the double, and the concept of fatality. These themes are intricately woven into the fabric of the story, offering readers a more profound appreciation of its nuances.

The final section of the book introduces a feminist critique of prominent psychoanalytic theorists, such as Freud and Lacan. By doing so, the author presents a compelling reinterpretation of the Oedipus Complex, applying it to the context of The Unintended Reader. This innovative approach enriches the reader's understanding of the text and invites further contemplation on the intersections of gender, power, and desire in literature.

ISBN: 9780521307239

Dimensions: 216mm x 138mm x 24mm

Weight: 560g

349 pages