Why It Matters Today
Erewhon challenges our assumptions about technology, morality, and society, urging us to think critically about progress and what makes a truly just community.
Modern Connections
Big Ideas
The peril of unchecked technological advancement
Just because we can invent new tech doesn't mean it's good for society; we need to think about its impact.
The importance of moral and social values in shaping society
A society can be high-tech and advanced, but if it loses its sense of right and wrong, it's doomed.
What You'll Learn
- How satire can critique utopian dreams
- The historical context of Victorian-era societal fears
- The importance of moral checks in technological progress
Reader Fit
✅ Good For
- Readers interested in dystopian and utopian fiction
- Those curious about the social implications of technology
⚠ Not Ideal For
- Readers seeking lighthearted or purely entertaining fiction
- Individuals uninterested in philosophical debates
Controversies & Critiques
- The novel reflects Victorian values that may seem dated today
- Some critics argue Butler's depiction of technology and society may be overly simplistic
Reading Context
Before Reading
- Familiarity with 19th-century Victorian society
- Basic understanding of utopian and dystopian literature
After Reading
- Modern discussions on technology ethics
- Other utopian and dystopian works like Orwell's 1984 or Huxley's Brave New World
Similar Books
Appeals to fans of: Satirical critiques of society, Fiction that questions the idea of progress
Classification Details
Author
Samuel Butler
Published
1872
Language
English
Subjects
Satire, Utopias -- Fiction, Utopian fiction
Curated Collections
This book appears in these curated collections:
