The Politics of Sensibility

Focusing on the interplay between sentiment and politics, this work analyzes how sentimental novels of the late eighteenth century engaged with pivotal public issues such as anti-slavery movements, commercial morality, and the reformation of prostitutes. Markman Ellis argues that these novels were not just vehicles of emotion but actively participated in significant societal debates, revealing their role as influential political tools. By examining the political dimensions within the narratives, the book highlights the cultural importance of sentimental fiction in shaping public discourse.