Posthumanism in Generation of Hopelessness, Klara and the Sun, and The Windup Girl
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Abstract
This paper examines three novels: Generation of Hopelessness (2019) by Thai author Jidanun Lueangpiansamut, Klara and the Sun (2021) by British author Kazuo Ishiguro, and The Windup Girl (2009) by American author Paolo Bacigalupi. In discussing the three novels, I adopt a posthumanist approach that regards humans as part of a world in which technologies have become an intrinsic part. Integral to this approach is the attempt to expose the destructive consequences of anthropocentric beliefs and practices, and to encourage respectful and sympathetic relationships between humans and non-humans. The key argument of this paper is that all three novels share three outstanding characteristics. Firstly, through the portrayals of the dystopian existence of humans and non-humans, the novels articulate critiques of the form of development and progress that is highly anthropocentric, unsustainable, and brings about the regression of humanity. Furthermore, embedded in the three works is the posthumanist attempt to question and challenge human exceptionalism. Ultimately, the three novels convey a utopian desire for more caring and compassionate relationships between humans and non-humans so as to pave the way for a better posthuman future.
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