Through the Eye of the Needle: A Romance

"Through the Eye of the Needle: A Romance" by William Dean Howells is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of social observation and the contrasts between American society and the idealized Altrurian Commonwealth through the perspective of Aristides Homos, an emissary from Altruria. As the narrative unfolds, readers are introduced to Homos's impressions of America, particularly in terms of cultural and economic dynamics. At the start of the novel, Aristides Homos reflects on his experiences during his visit to the United States in the years surrounding 1893. He engages with the complexities of American life, as he observes the living conditions and social behaviors of New Yorkers while questioning the values fostered by their competitive civilization. Through a series of letters, he articulates both admiration and critique of American society, touching on themes of charity, class disparity, and domestic life. The reader is immediately immersed in the contrasting viewpoints as Homos navigates his relationships with American characters—including Mrs. Makely, who epitomizes the complexities of societal norms and domestic life in New York—setting the stage for deeper explorations of love and societal ideals throughout the rest of the narrative. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters". He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, and the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day," which was adapted into a 1996 film of the same name.