Looking Backward · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy.

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Chapter 1
Author's Preface
The preface, dated December 26, 2000, introduces the book as a historical narrative designed to help readers understand the social contrasts between the 19th and 20th centuries. The author explains that the present social order, though now seen as simple and logical, is less than a century old, and that the 19th century believed its industrial system would last indefinitely. The book is cast as a romantic narrative to make the instructive content more engaging, and the author hopes readers will appreciate the progress of the last hundred years as a foundation for future advancement.
Chapter 2
Looking Backward
The opening chapter introduces Julian West, a wealthy young Bostonian living in the late 19th century. He describes his comfortable life, his engagement to Edith Bartlett, and the social unrest of the era, including labor strikes and class conflict. The chapter sets the stage for his eventual trance and awakening in the year 2000.
Chapter 3
I
Julian West describes the labor unrest and social tensions of the late 19th century, using the metaphor of a coach to illustrate the vast inequality between the wealthy few who ride and the masses who toil. He reflects on the widespread discontent among workers, the strikes, and the varied opinions of his class about the possibility of social change, all while confessing his own bias as a wealthy man whose marriage plans were delayed by labor troubles.
Chapter 4
Chapter II: The Mesmeric Trance
Julian West describes his insomnia and his reliance on Dr. Pillsbury, a mesmerist, to induce sleep in his subterranean chamber. After a Decoration Day dinner with the Bartletts, where labor unrest is discussed, he returns home and is put into a deep trance by Dr. Pillsbury, who then leaves the city.
Chapter 5
Chapter III
Julian West awakens in a strange house and is greeted by Dr. Leete, who explains that he has been in a trance for over a century. Julian initially refuses to believe the claim that it is the year 2000, but after being taken to the rooftop and seeing the transformed city of Boston, he becomes convinced of the truth. Dr. Leete recounts the discovery of Julian's underground chamber and the successful resuscitation.

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Author's Preface

Looking Backward

I

Chapter II: The Mesmeric Trance

Chapter III