Past and Present by Thomas Carlyle
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“Past and Present” by Thomas Carlyle is a political and philosophical tract written during the mid-19th century. The work reflects on England's socio-political landscape, tackling themes of wealth, labor, and the moral responsibilities of both the rich and poor. Through a series of powerful observations and critiques, Carlyle aims to awaken the conscience of his contemporaries regarding their societal conditions. The opening of “Past and Present” sets the stage by highlighting the
paradox of England’s prosperity and the stark reality of its impoverished workers. Carlyle draws a vivid picture of the unemployed, languishing in workhouses, and contrasts it with the wealth surrounding them, likening the situation to a form of enchantment that prevents them from benefiting from their labor. He uses allegorical references, such as King Midas and the Sphinx, to illustrate the dangers of superficiality and the necessity of acknowledging deeper truths. This portion not only emphasizes the urgency for meaningful reform but also critiques societal complacency and the moral consequences of neglecting the plight of the working class. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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About this eBook
| Author | Carlyle, Thomas, 1795-1881 |
|---|---|
| Title | Past and Present |
| Note | There is an improved edition of this title, eBook #26159 |
| Credits | Produced by Jake Jaqua |
| Reading Level | Reading ease score: 64.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. |
| Language | English |
| LoC Class | PR: Language and Literatures: English literature |
| Subject | Social problems |
| Subject | Great Britain -- Social conditions -- 19th century |
| Category | Text |
| eBook-No. | 13534 |
| Release Date | Sep 27, 2004 |
| Last Update | Oct 28, 2024 |
| Copyright | Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads | 844 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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