Conscience and Purpose

Discover the profound insights of Paul R. Petrie in Conscience and Purpose, published by The University of Alabama Press in 2005. This compelling collection of essays delves into the influential ideas of W.D. Howells, who championed literature as a powerful catalyst for social change. With 232 pages of thought-provoking analysis, Petrie examines Howells's legacy and its impact on his own fiction, alongside the works of three pivotal American authors: Charles W. Chesnutt, Sarah Orne Jewett, and Willa Cather. This book is essential for anyone interested in the intersection of ethics, literature, and society in the United States. Dive into a rich exploration of how literature can reflect and shape social values, making Conscience and Purpose a must-read for students, scholars, and literature enthusiasts alike.