Labor Pains: Emerson, Hawthorne, & Alcott on Work, Women, & the Development of the Self

by Carolyn Maibor

Overview

This book explores the importance of work and its role in defining and developing the self. Maibor reveals how the writings of Emerson, Hawthorne, and Alcott delve into notions of equality through this emphasis on labor. In doing so she challenges the traditional view of Emerson as unconcerned with societal issues, and opens the work of Hawthorne and Alcott to new feminist readings.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415803502
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/16/2009
Series:	Literary Criticism and Cultural Theory
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	180
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Carolyn R. Maibor has a background in both English and Philosophy, and received her Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Brandeis University. Currently an assistant Professor of English at Framingham State College, she has taught at the University of Montreal, Simmons College, and Brandeis University. She has published articles on Emerson's aesthetics.

Table of Contents

CONTENTS Introduction Chapter One: The Working Self: Emerson's Theory of Vocation Democratic Genius The Division of Labor Thoreau on the Division of Labor The Value of Work The Individual and Society Chapter Two: Working Girls: Female Self-Reliance and Vocation Chapter Three: The Work of the Dark Lady: Hawthorne on Vocation and Women Hester Prynne Zenobia Chapter Four: Little Women and Working Girls: Louisa May Alcott on Women and Work The Civil War Meaningful Work and Meaningful Lives Finding One's Job and Finding Oneself Independence Notes Bibliography Index