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Exotic Parodies Subjectivity in Adorno, Said, and Spivak Asha Varadharajan
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This groundbreaking text begins with the premise that postmodernism, poststructuralism, postcolonialism, and Marxism continue to present certain problems with the self/other distinction. It goes on to offer the first extended critique of the work of Gayatri Spivak; challenge the critical reception of Adorno in the American academy; examine Said's connection to Adorno; and make the first in-depth use of Adorno's Negative Dialectics in the context of postcolonial theory. Varadharajan attempts to reformulate the agenda of postcolonialism and to establish a much-needed basis for the evaluation of specific critical positions and practices occasioned by its discourse. Her daring interpretative moves and highly nuanced readings of complex issues in Marxist and poststructuralist theory will be of interest to those contemplating relations between feminism, postcolonialism, Marxism, and deconstruction. “This subtle and astute reading and assessment of the critical situation today should attract a wide audience in the critical theory field.” —The Reader’s Review “This is a perspacious and important book that deserves a wide readership. In its engagement not only with post-colonialism, but also with the larger frame of postmodernism, Exotic Parodies will certainly repay serious reading.” —Theory and Society “Varadharajan, who claims the authority of a ‘native informant,’ raises valuable issues about the subjectivity of the colonized.” —Canadian Literature “A clearly argued, intelligent, and demanding account of Adorno.” —Monatshefte Asha Varadharajan is an assistant professor in postcolonial literatures and theory in the Department of English at the University of Minnesota. Her work has focused on romanticism, critical theory, and the relations between feminism and postcolonialism. 224 pages | 5 7/8 x 9 | 1995 |
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$26.00 Paper