The (Un)natural World: Anthropomorphic Language and Lenses

Centre for Modern Studies postgraduate forum event

In this seminar Sam Perks, Harriet Ryder and Emelia Quinn will examine different approaches to the natural world, from the naturalist impulse to anthropomorphise non-human nature for public consumption, to parallels between animal life (and death) and female repression. How do we use language – technical, fictional, emotive – to interpret the natural world and serve thematic and religious motives?

• Sam Perks – ‘Representing Homo Oeconomicus: Capitalist Relations in Planet Earth.’
• Harriet Ryder – ‘Of Mo’Hairs and Men: Speculative Fiction’s Role in Thinking About the Genetic Engineering of Animal Species.’
• Emelia Quinn – ‘The Intersection between Meat-eating Cultures and Contemporary British Muslim Identity Construction in Nadeem Aslam’s Maps for Lost Lovers and Robin Yassin-Kassab’s The Road from Damascus.’