Manhood Lost

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The narrative of a young man's downfall due to alcohol consumption in 19th-century literature highlights the tension between personal choice and environmental factors. Elaine Frantz Parsons critiques this portrayal, suggesting it downplays free will while emphasizing societal influences on issues like drunkenness and poverty. This perspective ultimately paved the way for state intervention, culminating in Prohibition. The work explores the cultural implications of these reformers' stories and their unintended consequences on social policy.