Focusing on the concept of the "passive hero," this influential analysis delves into Sir Walter Scott's fiction, exploring its relationship with property and societal expectations of the propertied classes. Alexander Welsh illustrates Scott's significant impact on 19th-century literature and history, utilizing a comprehensive approach to his works. The updated edition includes essays on themes of history and revolution in "Old Mortality," repression and the social contract, along with an afterword discussing contrasting styles, enriching the understanding of Scott's legacy.
The analysis centers on Hamlet's character as a modern hero shaped by grief, self-consciousness, guilt, and wit. Welsh contextualizes Hamlet within the family dynamics and mourning themes present in contemporary revenge tragedies, arguing that revenge stems from mourning rather than being a mere goal. He highlights the complexity of a son's mourning for his father, suggesting insincerity may lurk beneath. This exploration connects Hamlet's enduring status as a cultural icon to the late eighteenth-century rejection of past generational thinking as a barrier to progress.
While it is common to attribute the origins of psychoanalysis to Freud's self-analysis, Alexander Welsh suggests that it truly began with the publication of The Interpretation of Dreams at the end of the nineteenth century. By publicly asserting his theory that dreams reveal hidden wishes, Freud established a foundation for his influential career. In August 1899, he described his dream book in a letter to Wilhelm Fliess, likening it to a journey through a dark wood, where he guides readers through a "concealed pass" filled with peculiarities and humor, ultimately leading them to a choice of direction. As a physician, Freud positions himself as a guide rather than a hero, yet he subtly directs readers toward his intended path. Welsh invites readers to explore Freud's journey, examining the hidden turns in his work and questioning the guide's intentions. He highlights how Freud's choices are wishful, aimed at pleasing both the reader and himself, and contextualizes his fascination with secrets and modest ambitions within the era's cultural landscape. The book can be appreciated as a romance or a serial comedy, with humor that reflects a unique performance style. Welsh provides the first critical overview of Freud's arguments and the guiding persona he creates.
Set against the backdrop of Victorian England, this book explores the life and works of Charles Dickens, delving into the social issues he addressed through his characters and stories. It highlights the vibrant city of London as a central character, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants. The narrative provides insights into Dickens's personal experiences and how they shaped his literary voice, offering a rich tapestry of historical context and cultural commentary.
