The Serpent Within: Politics, Literature and American Individualism

By Joseph C. Bertolini

This book examines four key works of American literature to validate a critical analysis of American politics. Using a Lockean/Hobbesian individualist framework, the chosen works offer a window into a uniquely American concept of individuality that has shaped current sociopolitical culture. The lack of shared, empathetic appreciation of our needs and problems makes it extremely difficult to successfully address current debates in social issues such as crime, drugs, and homelessness, to name a few. The book argues that the root of American political and social problems lies in the extreme individuality inherent in American culture. By examining representative elements of American literature, we can gain greater, unique insight into American political dilemmas. Contents: Introduction: The Serpent Within; Hobbes and Locke in America; The Scarlet Letter; Moby-Dick; Huckleberry Finn; The Great Gatsby; Literature, Individualism and Public Policy; Index.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761806261
• ISBN13: 9780761806264
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: University Press of America
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Review of "The Serpent Within"

I found the book very informative. Not having read many political or literary works ( I had read a little Hobbes and Locke, but none of the novels dealt with), I found almost every page interesting and filled with new ideas. I look at America in a different way now than I did prior to reading this book.

great work

As a student of Dr. B, as we all call him, I held his ideas in high esteem. His view of political science, is a bit different than mine, but his arguements are well made. If this was used in softer language, political science majors would be able to stay up all night, and whats the fun in that. Buy Dr. B's book, he could use the money to update his wardrobe

Fascinating new insights into American individualism

Bertolini has an interesting thesis about the manifestation of American individualism in four of the greatest American novels (The Scarlet Letter, Moby Dick, Huckleberry Finn and The Great Gatsby) and the nuances of Hobbesian-Lockean philosophy in the context of modern political policy. A thesis worth exploring to be sure, but fairly specific to academics in the discplines of philosophy, politics and literature.