Fins de Sihcle: English Poetry in 1590, 1690, 1790, 1890, 1990 : Book Review

"Fins de Siècle" by Elaine Scarry provides a fascinating exploration of the cultural and existential shifts that marked the end of the 19th century. Through a collection of essays, Scarry delves into different facets of this transformative period, including literature, art, philosophy, and politics. Her analysis reveals how thinkers of the time grappled with the uncertainties and anxieties of their era, while also reimagining and redefining traditional concepts and forms.

One major theme explored in the book is the interplay between beauty and violence, which characterized the late 19th century. Scarry combines examples from literature and art to demonstrate how artists and writers sought to capture the complexity of their world through vivid and sometimes disturbing representations. This juxtaposition serves as a metaphor for the tensions and contradictions of the era.

Scarry also delves into the realm of philosophy, particularly the works of Friedrich Nietzsche and his influence on fin-de-siècle thinkers. She explores Nietzsche's ideas of power, morality, and tragedy, showing how they resonated with the intellectual climate of the time. Furthermore, she discusses the impact of Nietzsche's philosophy on subsequent artistic movements, such as symbolism and decadence, which aimed to challenge norms and push artistic boundaries.

Throughout the book, Scarry expertly guides the reader through key events and developments of the late 19th century, providing insightful analysis. From the rise of nationalism and imperialism to the emergence of psychology, she illuminates the diverse factors that shaped the fin-de-siècle mindset. Moreover, Scarry's prose is engaging and accessible, making complex ideas and theories understandable for a wide range of readers.

In conclusion, "Fins de Siècle" is a captivating and thought-provoking examination of the cultural and intellectual landscape of the late 19th century. Elaine Scarry's insightful analysis and wide-ranging exploration make this book essential reading for anyone interested in this transformative period of history.

What are readers saying?

"Fins de Siècle: English Poetry in 1590, 1690, 1790, 1890, 1990" written by Elaine Scarry has received mixed reviews from readers. The book delves into five significant periods of English poetry and explores the influence of social, cultural, and political factors on the works of poets during those times.

Many readers have praised Scarry for her meticulous research and in-depth analysis of each era. They found her writing style engaging and informative, providing a fresh perspective on the selected time periods. Readers appreciated how Scarry connected the poetry of each period to the broader historical context, enabling them to gain a better understanding of the works and the poets themselves.

However, some readers have found Scarry's writing style to be overly academic and dense, making it challenging to fully comprehend the concepts and ideas presented. They felt that her analysis was too complex for the average reader, suggesting that the book would be better suited for scholars or those with a strong background in literature.

A common critique was the lack of diversity in Scarry's selection of poets. Some readers thought that she focused too heavily on well-known and canonical figures, neglecting the voices and contributions of marginalized poets. They believed that a more inclusive approach would have made the book more comprehensive and representative of the diversity of English poetry during each period.

Furthermore, a few readers felt that the organization and structure of the book could have been improved. They found it challenging to follow the chronological progression and suggested that a clearer framework would have enhanced the reading experience.

FinsDeSiècle BookwormLife LiteraryGems