Patterns of Power in American Political Fiction

by Thomas J. Kemme

Overview

Political fiction is both a popular and a serious literary genre. Because political fiction is by definition complex, weaving political, historical, social and literary elements into the fabric of fiction, its study and teaching can be challenging. Patterns of Power in American Political Fiction presents a study of power as it manifests itself in ideology, structure, process and personality, and provides political and literary frameworks for critically examining and teaching political fiction. Thomas Kemme presents an approach to politics rooted in the perspectives of political scientists, along with a survey of the skills, qualities, and experiences that contribute to the continued success of a professional politician. Kemme examines classics of political fiction to show how politics and literary art merge to create both popular and serious fiction.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761826446
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	10/01/2003
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

Thomas J. Kemme is Professor of English, Bellarmine University, Louisville, Kentucky.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface
Chapter 2 Politics and Literature
Chapter 3 Democracy: Ideology in Political Fiction
Chapter 4 The Last Hurrah: Personality and Political Power
Chapter 5 Lincoln, A Novel: A Realistic Political Hero
Chapter 6 Advise and Consent: The Political Process
Chapter 7 All the King's Men: Political Novel and Political Classic
Chapter 8 Bibliography
Chapter 9 Index

Editorial Reviews

Although Kemme's style and approach to politics are rooted in the perspectives of political science, he offers both political and literary frameworks through which to read, analyze, and teach political fiction.

American Literature

Although Kemme's style and approach to politics are rooted in the perspectives of political science, he offers both political and literary frameworks through which to read, analyze, and teach political fiction.--American Literature

From the Publisher