The Postmodern Fiction of Criminal Violence in Postmodern Society. The Case of the Novel, Isla Boa

Abstract

Postmodern society is characterized by a form of economic transformation the main goal of which is the acquisition of money. In the context of financial competition, the relaxation of moral values and the development of delinquency, corruption and criminal violence become prominent. This article deals with the theme of crime and violence as represented in the postmodern novel by Christos Asteriou, Ίσλα Μπόα (Isla Boa). The novel reflects key features of postmodernity, for example the characteristic operation of funds, money and media, a world that does not hesitate even in the face of crime when it comes to the satisfaction of financial interests. The aim of this article is, on a first level, to show the drama of the postmodern crime but also highlight the fact that in the postmodern novel Ίσλα Μπόα crime is treated superficially and without reference to motives or purposes. On a second level, the text’s aim is to emphasize the role of the narrative techniques of postmodernism, self-reflexivity, narcissism and parody. The first two highlight the postmodern narrative which reveals the structure of the text. The parody leads the reader to question the one and only truth and interpretation of the text. It reminds him/her to consider the multiplicity and variety of viewpoints and become an active and thoughtful reader.