2014 – What Is the Necropastoral? by Joyelle McSweeney

Joyelle McSweeney's influential essay "What Is The Necropastoral?" serves as a crucial theoretical foundation for understanding the themes and aesthetics of Dead Youth, or, The Leaks. In this seminal piece, McSweeney introduces and expands upon the concept of the Necropastoral, a term she coined to describe a political-aesthetic zone where the boundaries between nature and human influence blur, creating a space of mutation, contagion, and spectacle. The essay explores how this concept manifests in literature, particularly in works that challenge traditional notions of pastoral imagery and engage with the realities of environmental degradation, violence, and the complexities of contemporary existence. By including this essay in the digital critical edition, readers gain valuable insight into McSweeney's artistic vision and the theoretical framework that underpins her innovative approach to theater and poetry.