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Sentimental Literature as Social Criticism:Susan Warner, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Emma D.E.N. Southworth as Active Agents, Negotiating Change in the United States in the Mid-Nineteenth Century

Detractors of sentimental literature argue that such novels are unoriginal and concerned primarily with emotions. Feminist scholars redeem the reputation of sentimental literature to an extent. At present, a multitude of approaches present sentimental authors as active agents, engaging with public issues. Building upon the scholarship of prominent feminist historians and literary critics, this thesis provides direct evidence that three female authors embrace the responsibilities of being a social critic. The Wide, Wide World (1850) by Susan Warner, Uncle Tom’s Cabin (1851) by Harriet Beecher Stowe, and The Hidden Hand (1859) by Emma D.E.N. Southworth provide unique commentaries on the separation of the private and public spheres, market revolution, and religion. Decisive differences between the authors’ opinions reveal a high degree of engagement with the public issues.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:canterbury.ac.nz/oai:ir.canterbury.ac.nz:10092/7951
Date January 2013
CreatorsCann, Jenichka Sarah Elizabeth
PublisherUniversity of Canterbury. Humanities
Source SetsUniversity of Canterbury
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeElectronic thesis or dissertation, Text
RightsCopyright Jenichka Sarah Elizabeth Cann, http://library.canterbury.ac.nz/thesis/etheses_copyright.shtml
RelationNZCU

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