Question

Erewhon is the same genre as

• A. Utopia
• B. Wolf Hall
• C. Vanity Fair
• D. Animal Farm

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Utopia

Literary Genre of Erewhon

• Erewhon, written by Samuel Butler and first published anonymously in 1872, is a satirical novel that belongs to the genre of Utopian fiction.
• Utopian literature typically depicts an idealized or perfect society, often as a contrast to the perceived flaws of the author's contemporary world.
• Key Characteristics of Utopian Fiction:
  • Imaginary society with ideal social, political, and legal systems.
  • Often explores social and political commentary through the lens of an 'ideal' world.
  • Presents a vision of a better future or a critique of current societal norms.
• Samuel Butler's Erewhon:
  • While often classified as Utopian, Erewhon is more accurately described as a dystopian satire or an anti-utopian work disguised as a utopia.
  • The society depicted in Erewhon (an anagram of 'nowhere') critiques Victorian England's institutions, such as its healthcare system, penal code, and religious beliefs, by presenting them in an absurd or inverted form.
  • Butler satirizes the uncritical acceptance of established customs and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement (though less prominent than in later sci-fi).
• Comparison to Utopia:
  • Thomas More's Utopia (1516) is the foundational text of the genre, describing an ideal island society.
  • Unlike More's straightforward depiction of an ideal state, Butler uses satire to expose the hypocrisy and irrationality he observed.
  • Therefore, Erewhon shares the structural element of depicting an alternative society but subverts the idealistic intent by employing sharp social criticism and irony, making it a satirical take on the Utopian concept.