A Hazard of New Fortunes (eBook)

William Dean Howells (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
154 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654700261-1 (EAN)

Infos

In "A Hazard of New Fortunes," William Dean Howells deftly navigates the intricate social landscape of late 19th-century America, exploring the tumultuous dynamics of urban life through the lens of journalism and art. Howells employs a realist literary style, characterized by meticulous attention to detail and an emphasis on the psychological depth of his characters. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the narrative unfolds around an aspiring publisher and his circle as they confront issues of class, ethics, and art in a rapidly industrializing society, immersing readers in the complexities of American life during a pivotal historical moment. William Dean Howells, often regarded as the father of American realism, brought his own experiences as a writer, editor, and critic to bear on this novel. His keen observations of society stemmed from his upbringing in Ohio and subsequent move to Boston, where he engaged with prominent literary figures. Howells was deeply concerned with the moral implications of modernity, and this work reflects his desire to portray the richness and challenges of contemporary life. Readers seeking a profound exploration of human relationships and social critique will find "A Hazard of New Fortunes" to be an essential addition to their literary collection. Howells' insightful portrayals of characters and acute observations make this novel not only a fascinating historical artifact but also a resonant examination of the human condition that remains relevant today.

Autor

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) stands out as a pivotal American literary figure, bridging the 19th and 20th centuries with his works that reflect a transition from the realism to the social and psychological depth of modernist fiction. Born in Martinsville, now known as Martins Ferry, Ohio, Howells rose from modest origins to become an influential editor and critic, notably of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as a prolific novelist and playwright. His literary contributions include over a hundred books ranging from novels to plays, criticism, and poetry. A central figure in American literature, Howells is particularly acclaimed for his leading role in the realism movement, eschewing the romanticized depictions of life for a more faithful, unvarnished portrayal of American society. His commitment to realism is exemplified in what is often considered his finest novel, 'A Hazard of New Fortunes' (1890), which explores issues of class, capitalism, and urbanization through the story of a group of New Yorkers starting a new literary magazine. The novel stands as a landmark of literary realism and offers keen insights into the challenges and complexities of the Gilded Age. Howells' literary style is characterized by his astute social observations, character-driven narratives, and a refined prose that captures the nuances of American speech and experience. Through his writing and influential critical essays, Howells advocated for realism and for writers like Mark Twain and Henry James, helping to shape the direction of American letters in the late 19th century.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 17.5.2022
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Klassiker / Moderne Klassiker
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Geschichte / Politik ► Neuzeit bis 1918
• Schlagworte: 19th century issues • 19th century urban fiction • A Fairy Tale of New York • American realism literature • American realism novel • A Tree Grows in Brooklyn • capitalism critique • Charles Dickens • gilded age America • Gilded Age novels • gilded age society • historical social commentary • Industrial-era problems • industrialization in fiction • Labor disputes • literary depiction of class • literary exploration of capitalism • Little Women • Mark Twain • New York City in Literature • New York City setting • New York struggles • O. Henry • ordinary people's lives • realistic portrayal • realist movement in literature • self-made millionaire • social change fiction • Social Class Conflict • Social injustice • The Age of Innocence • The Beautiful and Damned • The Forsyte Saga • The Great Gatsby • Urban America growth • urban experience narrative • vivid character portrayal • William Dean Howells novels • Workers' rights advocacy