3 Review(s)

The novel explores the story of Mr. Homos, a visitor from the fictional land of Altruria, who arrives in America and encounters the social and economic disparities prevalent in the late 19th-century United States. Through Mr. Homos' observations and interactions with Americans, the narrative serves as a platform for Howells to critique and satirize various aspects of American society, including its politics, capitalism, and social structures.William Dean Howells, known for his realistic portrayal of American life and his advocacy for social reform, used "A Traveler from Altruria" as a means to discuss his progressive ideals and critique the social injustices and disparities he observed in American society.The novel is regarded as an important work in American literature, reflecting Howells' concerns about societal issues and his exploration of utopian ideals through the lens of a stranger from an idealized society, Altruria, juxtaposed against the realities of Gilded Age America.