Black Dogs: Metaphysics, History and Utopia Cover Image

Black Dogs: Metaphysics, History and Utopia
Black Dogs: Metaphysics, History and Utopia

Author(s): Milena Kostić
Subject(s): Metaphysics, Theory of Literature, British Literature
Published by: Filološki fakultet, Nikšić
Keywords: metaphysics; history; utopia; mystic oneness; scientific reasoning; utilitarian ethics;

Summary/Abstract: Metaphysics, history and utopianism merge in Ian McEwan’s novel Black Dogs. McEwan presents contrasting metaphysical systems: the feeling of mystic oneness with the rest of creation vs. scientific reasoning and utilitarian ethics (the female vs. the male principle). McEwan traces these metaphysical outlooks in the historical background of World War II, and he comments on the perversity of various cultural practices (racism, violence, aggressiveness, etc.), which are seen as the products of the modern demythologized tradition. According to the author, resistance to these perverted cultural practices can be found in the mysticism of June’s utopian vision.

  • Issue Year: 2010
  • Issue No: 1-2
  • Page Range: 147-160
  • Page Count: 14
  • Language: English