Public and private
Book Description
Patricia McKee invites readers on a profound exploration of how society shapes our understanding of knowledge, emotion, and identity. Through careful examination of beloved literary works including Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Jane Austen's Emma, this scholarly work reveals the hidden dynamics that have long influenced how we navigate between our public and private selves.
Drawing upon the influential social theories of Jurgen Habermas and Michel Foucault, McKee illuminates the complex relationship between different spheres of human experience during a pivotal period in history. Her analysis uncovers how society traditionally assigned rational thought and productivity to educated men while relegating emotional expression and consumption to women and those without formal education.
What emerges is a fascinating portrait of how knowledge and power have been distributed across gender and class lines, creating unexpected patterns that continue to influence our world today. McKee's insights offer readers a deeper understanding of the social forces that shape personal identity and relationships.
For those seeking to understand the historical roots of contemporary social dynamics, this work provides valuable perspective on how the boundaries between public achievement and private experience have evolved. Through literary analysis, McKee reveals the ongoing tension between idealism and emotion, offering readers tools for recognizing these patterns in their own lives and communities.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 243 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore History and criticism
- ✓ Explore LITERARY CRITICISM
- ✓ Explore Capitalisme et littérature
- ✓ Explore Société de consommation dans la littérature
- ✓ Explore Roman anglais
- ✓ Explore English fiction, history and criticism, 18th century
- ✓ Explore English fiction
- ✓ Explore Privacy in literature
