Conspiracy theories in the context of escape literature
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.19141/1809-2454.kerygma.v19.n1.pe1632Keywords:
Conspiracy theories, Escape literature, Rabbit holeAbstract
This essay suggests comparisons between conspiracy theories and escape literature in the context of the Christian concern with edifying words. To do so, it uses Perrine's two literary criteria and draws on theories about literature in general, especially those of Compagnon. The essay considers the great appeal of conspiracy theories and suggests that it is commensurate with that of escape literature. Therefore, it proposes that conspiracy theories represent a certain evolution from escape literature, since they are able to create comprehensive fantasies that go beyond the pages of books and interfere in people's lives, gaining their complicity in the figuration of the world.
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