Between Self and Society: Inner Worlds and Outer Limits in the British Psychological Novel

Between Self and Society explores the psychosocial dramas that galvanize six major British novels written between the eighteenth and twentieth centuries. The book challenges an influential misconception that has for too long hindered appreciation of the psychological novel. John Rodden argues that there should be no simplifying antithesis between psychological, inner conflicts (within the mind or soul) and institutional, outer conflicts (within family, class, community). Instead, it is the overarching, dramaticyet often tortuousrelations between self and society that demand our attention. Rodden presents fresh interpretations of an eclectic group of prose fiction classics, including Tobias Smolletts The Adventures of Roderick Random, William Godwins Caleb Williams, Thomas Hardys The Mayor of Casterbridge, Ford Madox Fords The Good Soldier, Wyndham Lewiss Tarr, and D. H. Lawrences Women in Love.

Far from being merely admirable experiments, let alone daring though interesting failures, these fictions are shown to possess aesthetic unity, stylistic consistency, and psychic force. Between Self and Society thus impels our careful reconsideration of novels that represent major artistic achievements, yet have been either unjustly neglected or appreciated in limiting ways that do injustice to their psychological aspects. Roddens vibrant discussion invites an upward revaluation of these works and encourages the full recognition of their value and significance in British literary history.