Dystopia as literary declinism in the novels of Michel Houellebecq

Sophie Patrick

Research output: ThesisDoctoral Thesis

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Abstract

This study explores how the dystopian genre is used by novelist Michel Houellebecq to convey declinist concerns through literature. Drawing from various disciplines within the humanities, as well as literary analysis and close reading, I show how deeply declinist ideas inform Houellebecq's fiction and that Houellebecq's entire novelistic universe, present as well as future,can be read as dystopian. After examining the socially critical and premonitory functions of dystopia, as well as the declinist impulse throughout French history, Houellebecq's novels are analysed around three key dystopian themes: economy, the body and religion.
Original languageEnglish
QualificationDoctor of Philosophy
Awarding Institution
  • The University of Western Australia
Supervisors/Advisors
  • Jaccomard, Helene, Supervisor
  • Thomas, Bonnie, Supervisor
Thesis sponsors
Award date5 Jul 2018
DOIs
Publication statusUnpublished - 2018

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