Why It Matters Today
The Egoist explores themes of egoism, love, and social expectations, which remain relevant as society grapples with individualism and social media's influence on self-perception.
Modern Connections
Big Ideas
Egoism as a guiding principle
People often act primarily based on their own desires and interests, sometimes at the expense of others.
The complexity of love and selfishness
Love isn't always selfless; sometimes it's driven by personal gain or ego.
What You'll Learn
- How ego influences human behavior and relationships.
- The Victorian perspective on social roles and personal desires.
- To recognize egoism in modern contexts like social media and personal relationships.
Reader Fit
✅ Good For
- Readers interested in psychology and social behavior.
- Fans of classic literature exploring human nature.
- Those curious about Victorian societal norms.
⚠ Not Ideal For
- Readers seeking light, escapist entertainment.
- People uninterested in philosophical or psychological themes.
- Readers looking for modern, fast-paced stories.
Controversies & Critiques
- Modern critics may argue that Meredith's portrayal of egoism is outdated or overly simplistic.
- The novel's focus on individual ego might overlook systemic social issues.
Reading Context
Before Reading
- Familiarity with Victorian society and its social norms.
- Basic understanding of psychological egoism.
After Reading
- Analysis of modern egoism, narcissism, and social media influence.
- Comparison with contemporary novels about self-interest and love.
Similar Books
Appeals to fans of: Psychological novels like 'Crime and Punishment' by Dostoevsky., Modern explorations of ego and identity like 'American Psycho' or 'The Social Network' film.
Classification Details
Author
George Meredith
Published
1879
Language
English
Subjects
England -- Fiction, Psychological fiction, Love stories, Courtship -- Fiction, Egoism -- Fiction
Curated Collections
This book appears in these curated collections:
