American Literary-Political Engagements: From Poe to James

Abstract

This interdisciplinary study by William M. Etter explores how American literary figures from Edgar Allan Poe to Henry James engaged with political and ethical issues through their works, contributing to a broader academic trend that uses literature as a lens for understanding societal norms and legal principles. Etter argues that nineteenth-century authors often conceptualized political issues in literary terms, reflecting the "felt necessities of the time" rather than adhering strictly to abstract rules or data-driven analyses. By examining texts through the lens of ethics and physical disabilities (in James) or body imagery (Poe), Etter broadens the scope of this interdisciplinary approach beyond traditional legal and economic frameworks. Additionally, he inverts the conventional focus by prioritizing literary analysis over political theory, thereby offering fresh insights into how literature can illuminate complex ethical dilemmas. This study not only enriches our understanding of American literary history but also underscores the enduring relevance of literature as a medium for exploring societal challenges.

(The abstract and keywords were prepared retrospectively for indexing purposes using AI-assisted tools and editorial review, based on the original article. They did not appear in the original publication.)