Henry James, the Menace of Feminism, and the Triumph of Love By Janice Fiamengo Few major novels of the latter twentieth century have made anti-feminism a central subject—a remarkable indication of feminism’s standing as a dominant social ideology. There are a few (partial) exceptions, especially the stand-out American trilogy by novelist Philip Roth. It begins with
To divert slightly from The Bostonians. I recently read The Golden Bowl which you mentioed somewhere a while ago Janice. An intriguing book which I enjoyed immensely but then, I like a long read. I particularly enjoyed the development of the character of the Prince's wife Maggie. Next, The Wings of The Dove.
'The world according to Garp" by John Irving was critical of feminism, and in particluar presented radical feminists as deranged to the point of self mutilation
As always very eloquent and enlightening. My wife liked it very much, too. Who knows, perhaps you have inspired me to read a novel (THAT one!) for a change.. take care
James's books are so slow and boring...until about 2/3 the way through when there's some immense conflict. I lean conservative myself, but lived a liberated life (think Dr Prance) yet felt sympathy for poor Olive, who must lose one more "soldier" to the Enemy. How hard this must have been for Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B Anthony, and Lucy Stone. I would have been too soft to live as they did, but ultimately lived in the world they made.
To divert slightly from The Bostonians. I recently read The Golden Bowl which you mentioed somewhere a while ago Janice. An intriguing book which I enjoyed immensely but then, I like a long read. I particularly enjoyed the development of the character of the Prince's wife Maggie. Next, The Wings of The Dove.
'The world according to Garp" by John Irving was critical of feminism, and in particluar presented radical feminists as deranged to the point of self mutilation
As always very eloquent and enlightening. My wife liked it very much, too. Who knows, perhaps you have inspired me to read a novel (THAT one!) for a change.. take care
An excellent review of an intriguing novel which I read during one of the Covid lockdown periods.
James's books are so slow and boring...until about 2/3 the way through when there's some immense conflict. I lean conservative myself, but lived a liberated life (think Dr Prance) yet felt sympathy for poor Olive, who must lose one more "soldier" to the Enemy. How hard this must have been for Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B Anthony, and Lucy Stone. I would have been too soft to live as they did, but ultimately lived in the world they made.
It was interesting to learn that the lack of a sense of humor is not a new thing in feminism.
I love the description of Olive as "a woman without laughter," which reminds me of a joke:
Q. How many feminists does it take to change a lightbulb?
A. You think there's something funny about feminism?!