The Blithedale Romance (Cyclopedia of Literary Places)
At a glance:
- Author: Nathaniel Hawthorne
- First Published: 1852
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Psychological realism
- Time of Work: Mid-nineteenth century
- Genres: Long fiction, Psychological fiction
- Subjects: Magic or magicians, Love or romance, Suicide, Nineteenth century, New England, Reformers, Utopias, Philanthropy or philanthropists
- Locales: Massachusetts
Places Discussed
Unnamed city. Anonymous city representing the corruption of “civilization” from which the idealists who go to Blithedale come. For the affluent utopians (Coverdale and Zenobia), city life is soft and artificial, full of comforts, glitter, and social conventions that mask true feelings. For the poor (Moody and Priscilla), city life is a constant struggle marked by rigid class lines, poverty, and ill health. Wealthy and beautiful Zenobia leaves Blithedale periodically to resume her social life in the city. When Coverdale becomes disillusioned, he also returns...
[The entire page is 869 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
Navigate
See Also
Related Topics
