Writing against Reform: Aesthetic Realism in the Progressive Era

During the Progressive Era, reform literature became a prominent feature of American literature, with works like Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" and Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-Paper" topping bestseller lists and jolting middle-class readers into action. However, prominent writers like Henry James, Edith Wharton, James Weldon Johnson, Rebecca Harding Davis, and Kate Chopin resisted explicit political rhetoric in their works and critiqued reform aesthetics, which often rang hollow. Arielle Zibrak's book "Writing against Reform" examines the critique of reform aesthetics within the tradition of American realist literature and promises to change our understanding of this period and many of America's leading writers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2024
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press

The Progressive Era saw a surge in reform literature that became a prominent feature of the American literary landscape. Works such as Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle," Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-Paper," and Jacob Riiss's "How the Other Half Lives" topped bestseller lists and stirred middle-class readers into action. While realism and social reform had a long-standing relationship, prominent writers of the period, including Henry James, Edith Wharton, James Weldon Johnson, Rebecca Harding Davis, and Kate Chopin, avoided explicit political rhetoric in their own works and critiqued the prevailing reform aesthetics, which often felt hollow. Arielle Zibrak's book, "Writing against Reform," challenges our understanding of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American realist literature by examining the critique of reform aesthetics within this tradition. The book promises to reshape our perspective on the fiction of this period and the influential writers of America.

During the Progressive Era, reform literature emerged as a significant aspect of the American literary scene. Notable works like Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle," Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wall-Paper," and Jacob Riiss's "How the Other Half Lives" reached the top of bestseller lists and galvanized middle-class readers into action. While realism and social reform had a longstanding connection, prominent writers of the time, including Henry James, Edith Wharton, James Weldon Johnson, Rebecca Harding Davis, and Kate Chopin, refrained from direct political commentary in their own works and critiqued the prevailing reform aesthetics, which often lacked substance.

However, Arielle Zibrak's book, "Writing against Reform," challenges our perception of late nineteenth- and early twentieth-century American realist literature by delving into the critique of reform aesthetics within this tradition. The book promises to reshape our understanding of the fiction of this period and the influential writers of America.

In addition to their literary contributions, these writers also engaged in reform work in their private lives, demonstrating a commitment to social change beyond their artistic endeavors. Their private actions and beliefs, often overlooked in traditional narratives, shed light on the complex and multifaceted nature of the Progressive Era and the individuals who shaped it.

By examining the critique of reform aesthetics within the context of American realist literature, "Writing against Reform" offers a fresh perspective on this important period of American history. It challenges us to reconsider our assumptions about the fiction of this era and the individuals who contributed to its development.

Through its comprehensive analysis and engaging writing, "Writing against Reform" provides valuable insights into the complex relationship between literature, politics, and social reform during the Progressive Era. It is a must-read for anyone interested in American literature, history, and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625347725