Author Description
In this sequel to his popular works Is Heathcliff a Murderer? and Can Jane Eyre Be Happy?, John Sutherland unravels thirty-four new literary puzzles, once again combining erudition with bold investigative speculation. In addition to these new conundrums, Professor Sutherland revisits some previous puzzles with the help of readers who offer their own ingenious solutions and who set fresh puzzles for exploration. Victorian drug habits, railway systems, sanitation and dentistry are only a few of the details that shed light on the motives and circumstances of some of literature's most famous characters. Elizabeth Bennet, Betsey Trotwood, Count Dracula, Anna Karenina, Alice and many more come under the spotlight in John Sutherland's highly entertaining collection. Bringing good humor and good sense back to literary criticism, Who Betrays Elizabeth Bennet? offers scintillating forensic exercises that are as compelling as the plots they dissect.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This collection investigates the logical inconsistencies, historical anomalies, and unanswered questions embedded within the texts of classic literature. John Sutherland, a professor of English literature, applies a forensic lens to canonical works to determine how historical realities—such as Victorian medical practices, transportation, and social customs—impact the behavior and motivations of famous fictional characters. By treating these texts as historical documents, he provides a framework for understanding the practical constraints that authors often left unaddressed or assumed as common knowledge.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of thirty-four distinct literary puzzles across various classic novels
- Historical context regarding Victorian drug use, railway logistics, and sanitation
- Collaborative investigations incorporating reader-submitted solutions and inquiries
Scope Limits
- The text does not provide comprehensive literary theory or biographical analysis of the authors
- It focuses primarily on logical plot mechanics rather than thematic or symbolic interpretation
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Critics and readers frequently note the accessible, lighthearted tone Sutherland employs to address complex literary questions. Experts highlight this work as a practical example of how historical context can resolve long-standing ambiguities in classic fiction.
Page Count:
272
Publication Date:
1999-09-23
ISBN-10:
0192838849
ISBN-13:
9780192838841
Non-Fiction
Literary Criticism
Essays
Literary Analysis
Classic Literature