Author Description
The exciting sequel to the enormously successful Is Heathcliff A Murderer?, John Sutherland's latest collection of literary puzzles, Can Jane Eyre Be Happy? turns up unexpected and brain-teasing aspects of the range of canonical British and American fiction represented in the World's Classics list. With bold imaginative speculation he investigates thirty-four literary conundrums, ranging from Daniel Defoe to Virginia Woolf.Covering issues well beyond the strict confines of Victorian fiction, Sutherland explores the questions readers often ask but critics rarely discuss: Why does Robinson Crusoe find only one footprint? How does Magwitch swim to shore with a great iron on his leg? Where does Fanny Hill keep her contraceptives? Whose side is Hawkeye on? And how does Clarissa Dalloway get home so quickly?As in its universally well received predecessor, the questions and answers in Can Jane Eyre Be Happy? are ingenious and convincing, and return the reader with new respect to the great novels they celebrate.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
Can classic works of fiction withstand rigorous logical scrutiny regarding their internal inconsistencies and narrative mechanics? John Sutherland, a noted scholar of Victorian literature, applies a forensic approach to canonical texts to resolve lingering questions that often escape traditional academic analysis. By examining the logistical and factual gaps in works ranging from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, he demonstrates how these anomalies illuminate the creative choices made by authors.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of thirty-four distinct literary conundrums across British and American fiction.
- Investigations into narrative logic, character motivation, and physical constraints within established plots.
- Examination of authors including Daniel Defoe, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf.
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide a comprehensive history of the novels discussed.
- It does not offer a formal literary theory or pedagogical framework for general criticism.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Critics and readers frequently note the accessible, inquisitive nature of Sutherland's prose, which balances academic rigor with a playful approach to canonical texts. Experts highlight this work as a valuable resource for students and enthusiasts looking to engage with classic literature through a more analytical and inquisitive lens.
Page Count:
256
Publication Date:
2000-07-27
ISBN-10:
019283603X
ISBN-13:
9780192836038
Non-Fiction
Essays
Literary Criticism
Literary theory
Classic Literature