Upward Mobility and the Common Good

Challenging conventional narratives of upward mobility, Bruce Robbins reveals a hidden tradition within literature that emphasizes erotic social interdependence rather than individualistic self-making. By overturning the common perceptions of virtuous striving and unprincipled climbing, the book explores how these stories can reflect collective interests and interconnectedness, offering a fresh perspective on the themes of ambition and community in the literary canon.