Seduced By Story: Use And Abuse Of Narrative By Peter Brooksepub -

: Brooks emphasizes that stories are "as if" constructions rather than direct representations of reality. The "abuse" occurs when we forget this distinction and treat narrative as an all-explaining foundation of the world. Key Themes and Case Studies

Ultimately, Seduced by Story is a defense of literary criticism as a political necessity. By learning how stories work through the study of literature, Brooks believes citizens can better resist the dangerous myths that lead to delusion, injustice, and totalitarianism.

: While stories can create empathy, they also have the power to deceive, often being used to sell products, push political agendas, or even justify violence.

Brooks proposes a return to "narratological literacy" as a vital survival skill in a "story-addled world".