Sensational Designs: The Cultural Work of American Fiction, 1790-1860
In Sensational Designs, Jane Tompkins investigates the cultural impact of American fiction from 1790 to 1860. Focusing on sentimental novels, she reveals their role in constructing societal norms and values, challenging conventional literary hierarchies. This work underscores the genre's profound influence on American culture during a formative era.
About This Book
Sensational Designs examines the cultural work performed by American fiction during the period from 1790 to 1860. Jane Tompkins analyzes how these novels contributed to the formation of American identity and values.
The book highlights the importance of sentimental and domestic fiction, often overlooked in canonical studies, as powerful agents of cultural influence. Tompkins argues that these works engaged deeply with contemporary social issues.
Through close readings, the study demonstrates the interplay between literature and broader cultural dynamics in early America. It offers a reevaluation of the period's literary output beyond aesthetic judgments.
Tompkins's approach integrates historical context with literary analysis, providing insights into how fiction reflected and shaped public sentiment.
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