American naturalism and the Jews : Garland, Norris, Dreiser, Wharton, and Cather /
Donald Pizer.
- Urbana : University of Illinois Press, c2008.
- xv, 88 p. : 24 cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [77]-83) and index.
Hamlin Garland -- Frank Norris -- Theodore Dreiser -- Edith Wharton and Willa Cather. 1. 2. 3. 4.
"American Naturalism and the Jews examines the unabashed anti-Semitism of five notable American naturalist novelists otherwise known for their progressive social values. Hamlin Garland, Frank Norris, and Theodore Dreiser all pushed for social improvements for the poor and oppressed, while Edith Wharton and Willa Cather both advanced the public status of women. But they also expressed strong prejudices against the Jewish race and faith throughout their writings, producing a contradiction in American literacy history that has stymied scholars and, until now, gone largely unexamined. In this study, Donald Pizer confronts this disconcerting strain of anti-Semitism pervading American letters and culture, illustrating how easily prejudice can coexist with even the most progressive ideals."--BOOK JACKET.
American literature--History and criticism.--20th century American literature--History and criticism.--19th century Jews in literature. Antisemitism in literature. Naturalism in literature. Authors, American--Political and social views.--20th century Authors, American--Political and social views.--19th century