Is Polite Society Polite? and Other Essays

Name: Is Polite Society Polite? and Other Essays
Author: Julia Ward Howe

By Julia Ward Howe

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Essays, Letters & Speeches

About This Book

A collection of public lectures and essays examines the manners and obligations of social life, exploring sincerity, flattery, detraction, and the responsibilities of those who shape taste. Other pieces blend travel impressions and personal recollection with cultural criticism, ranging from observations on Paris and Greece to essays on salons and literary figures such as Aristophanes, Dante, and Beatrice. The author interweaves social commentary with philosophical reflection on human nature and what she terms the halfness of nature, noting how generosity and moral feeling counteract frivolity. Delivered in a conversational yet thoughtful voice, the essays aim to appeal to general audiences and to encourage greater honesty and humane feeling in public life.

About the Author

Julia Ward Howe

Julia Ward Howe (1819-1910) was an American author, poet, and social activist, best known for her role in the abolitionist movement and women's suffrage. She gained prominence with her poem "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which became an anthem during the Civil War. Howe's literary contributions extend beyond poetry; her works include travel narratives such as "A Trip to Cuba" and essays that explore societal norms in "Is Polite Society Polite? and Other Essays." Additionally, she wrote biographical works, including a notable biography of Margaret Fuller. Throughout her life, Howe was a passionate advocate for social reform, leaving a lasting impact on American literature and activism.