Date Available

12-5-2015

Year of Publication

2013

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation

College

Arts and Sciences

Department/School/Program

Hispanic Studies

First Advisor

Dr. Ana Rueda

Abstract

This project focuses on science fiction literature of Spain and Argentina produced in the last twenty years (1990-2010). It hypothesizes that in this period a change of perspective substantially modified science fiction productions in both countries and converges into a new model of narrative. As a consequence of this reformulated vision, a new narrative perspective immerses readers in an era of simulation, hyperreality, and post-humanism. When advanced technology is able to modify the basic human anatomy, and persons are trapped between virtual and real universes, simulacra facilitate control of people in an effective and impersonal manner. Simultaneously, fictional scenarios show new post-human beings sharing future worlds with humans. In this regard, the new literary production leads the reader to a redefinition of what it means to be human. With a theoretical framework centered on simulacrum, hyperreality and post-humanism, this study places the use of new technologies and the critique of postmodern society at the epicenter of the discussion as proposed by selected novels.

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