The island of anarchy: A fragment of history in the 20th century by Waterhouse
"The Island of Anarchy: A Fragment of History in the 20th Century" by Waterhouse is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. The book explores the socio-political upheaval and resulting chaos in a fictionalized version of England, where a youthful government takes drastic measures against crime and lawlessness, culminating in the expulsion of anarchists and felons to a newly risen island. The narrative addresses themes of governance, morality, and
societal structure amidst a backdrop of anarchy and rebellion. The story begins with the portrayal of a disenchanted society marked by social disorder, leading to the establishment of a government composed solely of young individuals. This new government implements severe laws and exiles lawbreakers and anarchists to the island of Meliora, which becomes a refuge for these outcasts. As various groups settle on the island, conflicts erupt between different ideologies, leading to violence and chaos. The narrative reaches a climax with the destruction of their community by an external threat, prompting a unifying call to prayer led by a compassionate figure known simply as "Our Sister." The eventual descent into destruction raises questions about human nature, order, and the meaning of freedom, encapsulating a philosophical exploration of anarchy and communal living while providing commentary on the cyclical nature of society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
The island of anarchy: A fragment of history in the 20th century
Alternate Title
The island of anarchy: A fragment of history in the twentieth century
Original Publication
United Kingdom: Miss Langley, Lovejoy's Library,1887.
Credits
Richard Tonsing and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at www.pgdp.net (This book was produced from images made available by the HathiTrust Digital Library.)
Reading Level
Reading ease score: 62.1 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.