How does The Mushroom at the End of the acknowledge bleak realities while also maintaining hope for humanity?

How do Tsing’s photographs—and where they are placed—extend her arguments about the social and economic significance of matsutake mushrooms?

How does Tsing emphasize the importance of scholarly collaboration for herself and mushroom scientists?

Race & Ethnicity

Asian American & Pacific Islander Literature

Book Events

Earth Day

Natural World

Science & Nature

Anna Lowenhaupt Tsing

Adult

Book

Kantelingen

Nonfiction

Study Guide

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content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Mushroom at the End of the World and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Mushroom at the End of the World Summary and Study Guide

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chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface

The Mushroom at the End of the World Preface Summary & Analysis

Prologue

The Mushroom at the End of the World Prologue Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Introduction

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 1, Introduction Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 1-3

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 1, Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Interlude 1.1

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 1, Interlude 1.1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “After Progress: Salvage Accumulation”

Part 2, Introduction

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 2, Introduction Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 4-7

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 2, Chapters 4-7 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Interlude 2.2

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 2, Interlude 2.2 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 8-10

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 2, Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Interlude 2.3

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 2, Interlude 2.3 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Disturbed Beginnings: Unintentional Design”

Part 3, Introduction

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 3, Introduction Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 11-13

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 3, Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 14-15

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 3, Chapters 14-15 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 16-17

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 3, Chapters 16-17 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Interlude 3.3

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 3, Interlude 3.3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “In The Middle of Things”

Part 4, Introduction

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 4, Introduction Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapters 18-19

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 4, Chapters 18-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 4, Chapter 20 and Conclusion

The Mushroom at the End of the World Part 4, Chapter 20 and Conclusion Summary & Analysis

The Mushroom at the End of the World

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