Cards of Identity (British Literature)
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Book Description
Cards of Identity is a scathing satire of psychology, identity theory, and class prejudice. The plot centers on an annual meeting of the Identity Club, a group of psychologists who come together to present "case histories" promoting their chosen theory of identity. These case studies (three of which are presented in the novel) are not scientific treatises, but fictional representations of character in line with the author's biases. In fact, members of the Club aren't allowed to interact with actual patients when creating their stories. Surrounding this meeting is the equally bizarre story of the local townspeople, who are brainwashed and transformed into servants for the convention, and who end the book with a show-stopping, Shakespearian play.
About the Author
Nigel Dennis was the author of three novels, including A Sea Change, and A House in Order, three plays, and several books of essays. Although born in Surrey, Dennis spent much of his early adulthood in the U.S. reviewing books for the New Republic and Time. He also translated works of the Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler, which provided him with material for Cards of Identity.
Cards of Identity (British Literature),Nigel Forbes Dennis,Dalkey Archive Press,1564783197,Congresses and conventions,Fiction,Fiction - General,Literary,Production and direction,Psychological,Psychologists,Theater,Modern fiction
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