For scholars invested in supporting or challenging dominant ideologies, the beauty of literature seemed frivolous, even complicit with social iniquities. Suspicion of aesthetics became a way to establish the rigor of one's thought and the purity of one's politics. Yet aesthetic pleasure never disappeared, Timothy Aubrey writes. It went underground.
Contemporary fiction serves as a therapeutic tool for middle-class American readers, addressing their feelings of loneliness and dissatisfaction. Timothy Aubry explores how these novels validate personal struggles and foster connections among readers who share similar experiences. He argues that the enduring popularity of contemporary literature lies in its ability to provide comfort and community, despite the competition from other media forms. Through his analysis, Aubry highlights the complex relationship between readers and the narratives that resonate with their private lives.