Introduction: Story Grammar
2. Post-plot Pressure: Adversarial Struggles and Collaborative Journeys
3. The Satirical Struggle: Stories of Intolerable Defeat
4. The Romantic Struggle: Stories of Injustice Overcome
5. The Tragic Journey: Stories of Painful Self-Realization
6. The Comic Journey: Stories of Self-Discovery
7. Purpose as Plot Structure: A Definition of the Concepts Peace and Justice Within Narrative Precision
Biography
Solon Simmons is the director of The Narrative Transformation Lab (TNT Lab) at George Mason University’s Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. A sociologist by training, he is the author of many books and articles on narrative and storytelling in peace and politics, including Conflict Resolution after the Pandemic: Building Peace, Pursuing Justice (2021) and Root Narrative Theory and Conflict Resolution: Power, Justice and Values (2020).
Cheryl Duckworth, Professor of Peace Education and Conflict Resolution, Nova Southeastern University, USA
“Simmons’ magisterial and insightful book asks us to confront what literary studies and narrative practice can learn from one another – and how both can benefit from the real-world study and navigation of conflict. Readers will find themselves applying and trying to resist its ideas everywhere in their own fields and interests.”
Mark Schroeder, Professor of Philosophy, University of Southern California, USA
“In a time of global insecurity and complex confrontations, Solon Simmons crafts an important narrative about the importance of narratives. By invoking the power of the story, Simmons urges readers to recognize, understand and act with the belief that conflict and peace are inherently tied to storytelling processes. His writing is poignant and clear, his conversation with the reader urges them to engage in the act of telling stories to elicit peaceful outcomes. With vignettes, examples and, yes, stories, Simmons’ book should be read by anyone who engages in spaces that navigate complex conflicts in hope of peaceful outcomes. Educators, policymakers, intellectuals and practitioners will be better for having learned through the lessons in this book.”
Supriya Bailey, Professor, Education Leadership and Policy and Past President, Comparative and International Education Society, George Mason University, USA
"A fascinating account of how 'story grammar' can help make our world safer. Simmons combines literary theory and conflict theory to make a one-of-a-kind contribution to the field of peacemaking."
Mark Freeman, founder and director of the Institute for Integrated Transitions, Spain
