The subject rising against its author

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Opinions on Bryan Stanley Johnson are controversial; he is recognized as a key figure in progressive literature yet has faced significant ostracism for his confrontational style and publishing challenges. This study examines whether the marginalization of his work is justified and seeks to uncover its value for literary advancement. It is the first comprehensive analysis of Johnson’s diverse body of work, including novels, short stories, poems, plays, and films. The study defines Johnson’s unique poetics of rebellion against perceived reactionary British social and artistic norms of the 1960s and 1970s. It offers an in-depth content analysis and explores the functionality of his narratives from a narratological perspective, addressing claims that his experimental style lacks literary and artistic merit. The findings suggest that Johnson’s poetics of rebellion align with a global trend toward redefining the arts during this period and are notably progressive, anticipating developments in hyperfiction in the 21st century. Through this examination, the study aims to shed light on the significance of Johnson's contributions to literature and the arts.