Discusses the relationships among the myth of the Golden Age, the concept of the Noble Savage, and the dream of Utopia. Uses Lewis Mumford's division of utopias into two basic types, i.e., reconstruction and escape utopias, to examine Herman Melville's "Typee" as an example of the primitive escapist utopia. (Editor/DMM)

Examines "Looking Backward's" attraction, seen as derived from the literary elements of surprise, suspense, metaphorical contrasts, analogy, and the discovery of identity by the characters and the reader. Highlights the dream device leaving the reader to ponder the dual identity of art and life and the reality of utopia. (Editor/DMM)

Quotes and discusses Bernard Shaw's statements on the purpose of literary art, the author's role and character, the nature of audiences, and the artistic requirements of fiction and dramatic works. Finds Shaw's theory of literary art consistent and unaltered throughout more than half a century. (DMM)

Points out similarities between the events and characters of Tennyson's "Maud" and Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Identifies traits which "Maud" shares with Spasmodic poetry. Argues that Tennyson consciously employed these similarities to expose the deficiencies of the Spasmodic school. (DMM)

Examines Victor Hugo's "Ninety-three," Charles Dickens'"Tale of Two Cities," and Eugene Zamiatin's "We" as examples of romantic satire, considering in each work the quest motif, the oedipal themes, the dystopian vision, and the role of love. (AYC)

Discusses attacks in utopian fiction on the commonplace, or belief, which is based on assumptions that are accepted without discussion or question. Notes the importance of commonplaces in society's routines and feels challenges to them cause painful and uncomfortable self-criticism. Uses William Dean Howell's "A Travel from Altruria" in…

Explores similarities in the feminist visions of Elizabeth Stuart Phelps and Marge Piercy, and the differences in their works resulting from changes in women's real-world experiences and in the feminist movement itself between the 1880s and the 1980s. (AYC)

Considers two American views of the individual's road to a better life: Edward Bellamy's utopia achieved through technology and Horatio Alger, Jr.'s utopia received through honesty and hard work. Deems both views as unrealistic solutions for nineteenth-century America. Lauds authors' vision for transforming society and the individual's economic…

Analyzes the portrayal of educators in German literature of the 19th and 20th centuries. Contrasts the negative characterizations of Thomas Mann and Erich Maria Remarque with those of Gertrud Kolmar, who portrayed the reciprocal nature of the educational process, wherein both educator and pupil experience a widening of perception. (DMM)

Explores the way in which female characters were represented in the novels written at the height of last century's feminist movement. Women portrayed as venturing beyond the traditional roles of wife, mother, and keeper of the home inevitably met defeat, thereby warning those tempted to challenge the social conservatism of the times. (MB)