One main literary purpose is to explore human nature. In a post - apocalyptic world, the breakdown of society strips away many of the facades and constraints of normal life. This allows authors to show how people really are at their core, whether they become more savage or more altruistic in the face of extreme scarcity and danger.
One classic is 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. It shows a father - son journey in a desolate post - apocalyptic world, full of danger and despair. Another is 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' which explores the long - term effects of a nuclear apocalypse on society and religion.
Through world - building. By creating a detailed and believable post - apocalyptic world, it sets the stage for exploring various themes related to its literary purpose. For example, if the world has been destroyed by a virus, the desolate landscapes and empty cities can emphasize the fragility of human civilization and help explore themes of survival and human adaptability.
These stories show that in desperate situations, some people will turn to violence and survival at all costs, like in 'Mad Max' - related stories. However, others will strive to rebuild society and hold onto values. In 'A Canticle for Leibowitz', the monks are trying to preserve knowledge and culture in a world that has been shattered by nuclear war.
Well, 'Station Eleven' is quite notable. It shows how different aspects of human civilization like art, music, and theater still have value even in a post - apocalyptic world. It has a really interesting way of jumping between different time periods which gives the reader a broader view of how the world changed.
Post-apocalyptic fiction is all about imagining the aftermath of a world-ending event. It can show us how humans might cope or fail to cope in such extreme circumstances. Sometimes it's a cautionary tale, sometimes it's just an exciting adventure in a desolate setting.
In post - apocalyptic Christian fiction, there is often a strong focus on salvation and the role of God. For example, in non - Christian post - apocalyptic stories, the solution to the post - apocalyptic problems might be more about human ingenuity or chance. But in Christian fiction, it could be about divine intervention or following the teachings of the Bible to find a way forward.
Well, a big theme is the loss of civilization. In these kinds of fictions, we often see things like the collapse of governments, lawlessness, and the destruction of infrastructure. Another theme is the exploration of human nature. When faced with extreme circumstances, will people become more savage or more altruistic? Also, environmental disasters are often part of the backdrop, whether it's nuclear fallout or a global pandemic that has led to the apocalyptic situation.
Another great one is Janklow & Nesbit Associates. They have a long history of representing high - quality literary fiction writers. Their agents are experienced in finding the right publishers for different literary works. They also provide good support to their clients in terms of contract negotiations and career development.
One way is to research online. There are many websites that list literary agents. For example, Publishers Marketplace has a comprehensive database. Another option is to look at the acknowledgments section in books similar to your literary fiction. Authors often thank their agents there. Also, attending writing conferences can be helpful. You can network with other writers and sometimes meet agents in person.