William Dean Howells and the American Memory Crisis

William Dean Howells is reassessed as a pivotal figure in American literature, particularly in light of his exploration of social and political themes. While his novels have garnered significant study, his later short fiction remains underappreciated and often overlooked. This work challenges the tendency to dismiss Howells, highlighting his innovative approach to literary forms and his ongoing quest to redefine American identity through his writing. It emphasizes his commitment to evolving narrative techniques and the complexities of memory in shaping literature.