This essay analyzes Unveiling a Parallel: A Romance by Two Women of the West (1893) by Alice Ilgenfritz Jones and Ella Merchant.1 In this extraordinary novel Mars is not only rich in vegeta- tion, but it is the home of social and gender equality and a place of great well-being and health for all those who live and sojourn there. As the terrestrial protagonist experiences during his journey, the Red Planet provides landscapes of high aesthetic value and an environment that blends beauty with deep ethical awareness. The Martians’ well-being is in fact based not only on a vegan diet and a healthy lifestyle, but includes political and religious harmony and peace. Rediscovering such a text, which was written well in advance of the best known science fiction novels on the one hand, and eco- critical theory on the other, can illuminate many sides of the American culture of the time, involving aspects related to aesthetics, transcendence, and even Orientalism.
Un parallelo rivelato? Benessere e salute sul Pianeta Rosso in un romanzo utopico protofemminista americano
Alessandra Calanchi
2019
Abstract
This essay analyzes Unveiling a Parallel: A Romance by Two Women of the West (1893) by Alice Ilgenfritz Jones and Ella Merchant.1 In this extraordinary novel Mars is not only rich in vegeta- tion, but it is the home of social and gender equality and a place of great well-being and health for all those who live and sojourn there. As the terrestrial protagonist experiences during his journey, the Red Planet provides landscapes of high aesthetic value and an environment that blends beauty with deep ethical awareness. The Martians’ well-being is in fact based not only on a vegan diet and a healthy lifestyle, but includes political and religious harmony and peace. Rediscovering such a text, which was written well in advance of the best known science fiction novels on the one hand, and eco- critical theory on the other, can illuminate many sides of the American culture of the time, involving aspects related to aesthetics, transcendence, and even Orientalism.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
