Interwoven Realities: Posthumanism and the Blurring of Boundaries in Select Literary Narratives

Abstract

Posthumanism challenges traditional humanist perspectives by examining the relationships and boundaries between the human, nonhuman, and technological worlds. In literature, it explores how these intersections reshape identity, agency, and ethics in contemporary society. This paper investigates posthumanism in literary texts, focusing on its deconstruction of anthropocentric views and its emphasis on the interconnectedness of all entities. It draws on the works of theorists like N. Katherine Hayles and Rosi Braidotti, who provide a framework for understanding how literature can destabilize traditional dichotomies of nature/culture, human/machine, and self/other. The study analyzes key texts, including Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go (2005) and Octavia Butler’s Dawn (1987) in the Lilith’s Brood trilogy, highlighting their portrayal of cyborgs, genetic engineering, and hybrid beings. These narratives illustrate how posthumanism redefines identity, ethics, and humanity’s future. The final section explores the ethical implications of posthumanism in literature, advocating for a more inclusive approach to existence that values all forms of life and technology. The paper argues that posthuman literature not only reflects contemporary anxieties about technology and ecological crises but also offers a critical lens for envisioning futures that embrace diversity and interconnectedness. Through this exploration, the paper reflects on the discourse on posthumanism, which influences both literary studies and broader cultural understandings.