Episode January 30, 2025 14 min 47s

Downward Mobility: The Form of Capital and the Sentimental Novel

This excerpt from "Downward Mobility: The Form of Capital and the Sentimental Novel" examines the relationship between narrative structures in 18th-century British sentimental novels and the burgeoning capitalist economy. The author argues that narratives of downward mobility, often overlooked in favor of upward mobility narratives, surprisingly reflect the logic of capital's infinite growth. By analyzing the novels' use of characterization, plot, and embedded narratives, the author reveals how these literary forms mirror and critique the economic anxieties and social inequalities inherent in the rise of capitalism, particularly concerning debt and risk management. The study uses both economic theory and literary analysis to show how sentimental novels simultaneously reflect and challenge the cultural assumptions of the era. The author's work ultimately suggests a narrative approach for understanding the complexities of financial capitalism.

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