Comparative Literature and the Historical Imaginary

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Focusing on the transnational reading contexts of the twenty-first century, this book explores how these environments influence our understanding of literary fiction. It analyzes the works of émigré writers Conrad, Weiss, and Sebald, advocating for nuanced inquiries into the diverse effects of narratives on varied readerships shaped by distinct historical backgrounds. By integrating reception theory and trauma theory, it redefines comparative literature, urging a reevaluation of reading positions and the interplay between historical events and literary texts.