The Social Construction of American Realism
University of Chicago Press, 1988
Paper: 978-0-226-42430-9 | Cloth: 978-0-226-42429-3
Library of Congress Classification PS374.R37K37 1988
Dewey Decimal Classification 813.40912
Paper: 978-0-226-42430-9 | Cloth: 978-0-226-42429-3
Library of Congress Classification PS374.R37K37 1988
Dewey Decimal Classification 813.40912
ABOUT THIS BOOK | TOC | REQUEST ACCESSIBLE FILE
ABOUT THIS BOOK
Kaplan redefines American realism as a genre more engaged with a society in flux than with one merely reflective of the status quo. She reads realistic narrative as a symbolic act of imagining and controlling the social upheavals of early modern capitalism, particularly class conflict and the development of mass culture. Brilliant analyses of works by Howells, Wharton, and Dreiser illuminate the narrative process by which realism constructs a social world of conflict and change.
"[Kaplan] offers some enthralling readings of major novels by Howells, Wharton, and Dreiser. It is a book which should be read by anyone interested in the American novel."—Tony Tanner, Modern Language Review
"Kaplan has made an important contribution to our understanding of American realism. This is a book that deserves wide attention."—June Howard, American Literature
"[Kaplan] offers some enthralling readings of major novels by Howells, Wharton, and Dreiser. It is a book which should be read by anyone interested in the American novel."—Tony Tanner, Modern Language Review
"Kaplan has made an important contribution to our understanding of American realism. This is a book that deserves wide attention."—June Howard, American Literature
See other books on: American Realism | Capitalism in literature | Realism in literature | Social conflict in literature | Social Construction
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