Habits of Distraction

This book explores the concept of distraction in interpretation, using examples from film, literature, music, painting, and photography, and concluding with a distracted reading of Milton's Paradise Lost.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 01 July 2018
\n Publisher: Sussex Academic Press
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Walter Benjamin's concept of reception in a state of distraction serves as the foundation for this book, which explores the antecedents of Benjamin's thinking and develops a comprehensive model of distraction in interpretation. Drawing from a diverse range of artistic mediums such as film, literature, music, painting, and photography, the book offers insightful examples that illustrate the complexities of distraction in interpretation.

In the opening chapter, the author delves into Walter Benjamin's notion of reception in a state of distraction, highlighting its significance in understanding the dynamics of interpretation. Benjamin's observation that the modern consumer is constantly bombarded with stimuli and distractions, making it challenging to engage fully with artistic works, serves as a starting point for the book.

To deepen our understanding of distraction, the author examines various antecedents of Benjamin's thinking. These include the influence of nineteenth-century French philosopher Henri Bergson, who emphasized the importance of attention and the role of the senses in shaping our perception of the world. The author also explores the work of German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who critiqued the notion of distraction as a means of avoiding the challenges and complexities of life.

Building upon these theoretical foundations, the book presents a working model of distraction in interpretation. The model encompasses three key elements: the sensory experience, the cognitive process, and the emotional response. The author argues that these elements interact dynamically to shape our interpretation of artistic works.

In the subsequent chapters, the book offers detailed examples from various artistic mediums to illustrate the application of the working model of distraction. Film serves as a particularly rich source of material, as it allows for the exploration of visual and auditory stimuli that can distract the viewer from the narrative. The author analyzes films such as "The Shining" and "2001: A Space Odyssey" to demonstrate how sensory experiences, cognitive processes, and emotional responses contribute to the interpretation of these works.

Literature, music, painting, and photography also provide valuable insights into the complexities of distraction in interpretation. The author examines works by authors such as James Joyce, Beethoven, Vincent van Gogh, and Henri Cartier-Bresson to explore how sensory experiences, cognitive processes, and emotional responses shape our understanding of these artistic mediums.

The book concludes with a thought-provoking reading of Milton's "Paradise Lost," a classic work of concentration that challenges the reader to engage fully with its intricate narrative and theological themes. By employing a distracted reading approach, the author encourages the reader to consider the ways in which distraction can enhance our understanding of artistic works and the broader world around us.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the concept of distraction in interpretation. By drawing from a diverse range of artistic mediums and employing a multidisciplinary approach, the author provides a working model of distraction that sheds light on the complexities of artistic perception and the role of the individual in shaping their interpretation of the world.

\n Weight: 306g\n
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781845192495\n \n