Laziness: A literary-historical perspective

Abstract

This chapter originated from talks Michael Greaney delivered at two Hubbub events: 'Sloth: What's in a Name?' and the 'Science and Politics of Laziness', which took place at London Zoo and Wellcome Collection, respectively. Here, Michael draws on literary history, cultural associations and the poetic resonances of the concept of sloth, and considers laziness and inactivity from a literary perspective.