The Sentimental Mode (Paperback)

Paperback. This collection of new essay examines how authors of the 20th and 21st centuries continue the use of sentimental forms and tropes of 19th century literature. Current literary and cultural critical consensus seems to maintain that Americans engaged in a turn-of-the-century refutation of the sentimental mode; an analysis of 20th and 21st century narratives, however, reveals an ongoing use of sentimental expression that draws upon its ability to instruct and influence readers through their emotions. While these later narratives employ aspects of the sentimental mode, many of them also engage in a critique of the failures of the sentimental, deconstructing 19th century perspectives on race, class and gender and the ways they are promoted by sentimental ideals. "Features essays that examine how authors of the 20th and 21st centuries continue the use of sentimental forms and tropes of 19th century literature. While these later narratives employ aspects of the sentimental mode, many critique failures of the sentimental, deconstructing 19th century perspectives on race, class and gender and the ways they are promoted by sentimental ideals"-- Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. …