Exeter College alumna Hannah Yip co-edits ground-breaking volume on early modern loneliness
Exeter College alumna Hannah Yip (2013, MSt Literature and Arts) has collaborated with Thomas Clifton to present a compelling new work, Writing Early Modern Loneliness – Early Modern Literature in History, published by Palgrave Macmillan. This interdisciplinary collection marks a significant shift in the understanding of loneliness as a historical and literary phenomenon, bringing together ten insightful essays that challenge prevailing scholarly narratives.
Traditionally, it has been held that the concept of loneliness as an emotional state emerged in Britain only in the late eighteenth century, gaining prominence with the Romantic poets. However, the contributors to this volume argue convincingly that early modern individuals experienced complex feelings of social and emotional isolation long before this period. Their essays delve into a variety of textual sources – from poetry and prose to letters and diaries – revealing how early modern writers articulated their experiences of solitude and disconnection.
The exploration of loneliness in these texts not only enriches our understanding of early modern literature but also highlights the enduring relevance of these themes in contemporary society. As Yip and Clifton demonstrate, the feelings of isolation and longing expressed by early modern writers resonate with the challenges of modern life, reminding us that loneliness is a timeless human experience.
This ground-breaking work will undoubtedly inspire further research in the field and encourage readers to reconsider the ways in which loneliness has been represented throughout history. Yip’s contributions to this volume are a testament to her commitment to expanding the horizons of literary scholarship, making it an essential read for both scholars and enthusiasts of early modern literature.
