"Earth Abides"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the George R. Stewart book "Earth Abides". The book deals with a viral plague that wipes out most of humanity, leaving only a few scattered survivors who have the responsibility for rebuilding and reconstituting the human race. The paper examines how the main protagonist, Isherwood and the other few survivors have to start, as it were, from 'ground zero'. After retracing the novel's plot and critiquing the actions, motivations and symbolic significance of Isherwood and others, the paper then discusses the novel's many positive reviews by literary critics.

From the Paper:

"The novel is remarkable for a number of reasons. Firstly, it deals with relevant issues that pertain to contemporary society today. Secondly the work does not follow the conventions or stereotypical patterns of apocalyptic fiction. In essence the novel is a comment and a sociological and philosophical analysis of contemporary society. For example, the issue of racial differences and inequality were very prominent in the time that the novel was written. It is therefore a comment on society and the possible future of modern society when the main character chooses a black women for his wife. The book also makes it clear that he does not choose her for her looks or any other superficial reason, but for her character, good sense and intelligence."

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