Literature of Change - Studies in the Nineteenth Century Provincial Novel

First published in 1977, this book studies three important nineteenth-century novelists: Mrs Gaskell, William Hale White and Thomas Hardy. They are all provincial novelists who wrote about social change and the attendant problems and pressures this brought with it. Unlike previous critics, who have tended to concentrate on her 'social-problem' novels, here the author treats Gaskell's Sylvia's Lovers and Cousin Phillis as central texts. However a chapter also examines Gaskell and Engels perception of social change in Manchester. This book also seeks to correct Hale White's neglect, anointing Revolution in Tanner's Lane and Clara Hopgood major works. The survey of women in Hardy's novels represents an illuminating new angle and leads on to a discussion of love and marriage in later Victorian fiction.

List of contents

Introduction to the Second Edition; Introduction; 1 Mrs Gaskell and the Nature of Social Change 2 Engels, Mrs Gaskell and Manchester 3 William Hale White and the Problems of Deliverance 4 Hardy’s Women 5 A Note on the Treatment of Love and Marriage in Later Victorian Fiction; Notes; Index

About the author

John Lucas

Product details

• Authors: John Lucas
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd.
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 12.12.2017
• EAN: 9781138676367
• ISBN: 978-1-138-67636-7
• No. of pages: 234
• Series: Routledge Library Editions: The Nineteenth-Century Novel
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; English, LITERARY CRITICISM / General, LITERARY CRITICISM / Semiotics & Theory, HISTORY / Social History, LITERARY CRITICISM / Modern / 19th Century, Literary studies: c 1800 to c 1900, Social and cultural history, Literary theory, Literary studies: fiction, novelists & prose writers, Literary studies: fiction, novelists and prose writers, Literature: history and criticism