Schultz, Jane E.Goldfarb, Nancy D.Eller, Jonathan R., 1952-Robertson, Nancy Marie, 1956-Tilley, John J.2015-05-052014https://hdl.handle.net/1805/6298http://dx.doi.org/10.7912/C2/607Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)This dissertation analyzes the critique of charity and philanthropy implicit in Melville’s short fiction written for periodicals between 1853 and 1856. Melville utilized narrative and tone to conceal his opposition to prevailing ideologies and manipulated narrative structures to make the reader complicit in the problematic assumptions of a market economy. Integrating close readings with critical theory, I establish that Melville was challenging the new rhetoric of philanthropy that created a moral identity for wealthy men in industrial capitalist society. Through his short fiction, Melville exposed self-serving conduct and rationalizations when they masqueraded as civic-minded responses to the needs of the community. Melville was joining a public conversation about philanthropy and civic leadership in an American society that, in its pursuit of private wealth, he believed was losing touch with the democratic and civic ideals on which the nation had been founded. Melville’s objection was not with charitable giving; rather, he objected to its use as a diversion from honest reflection on one’s responsibilities to others.en-USphilanthropycharitycensorshiphumanitycapitalismMelville, Herman, 1819-1891 -- Criticism and interpretationMelville, Herman, 1819-1891. Bartleby, the scrivener -- Criticism and interpretationMelville, Herman, 1819-1891. Poor man's pudding and rich man's crumbs -- Criticism and interpretationMelville, Herman, 1819-1891. Paradise of bachelors, the Tartarus of maids -- Criticism and interpretation.Melville, Herman, 1819-1891. Two temples -- Criticism and interpretationMelville, Herman, 1819-1891. Benito Cereno -- Criticism and interpretationCharities -- United States -- History -- 19th centuryCapitalism -- United States -- History -- 19th centuryAmerican literature -- 19th centuryCensorship -- United States -- Fiction -- 19th centuryCensorship in literature -- 19th centuryHumanity in literature -- 19th centuryUnited States -- Social life and customs -- 19th centuryBenevolence -- Social aspects -- United States -- 19th centuryThesis