'The Tocsin of Revolt, and other Essays' Summary

In his groundbreaking 1922 collection of essays, The Tocsin of Revolt, Brander Matthews, a leading American essayist and drama critic, challenges the status quo and calls for a revolution in the arts and society.

Matthews was a fearless thinker who was not afraid to speak his mind. In The Tocsin of Revolt, he tackles a wide range of topics, including the role of the artist in society, the future of the theater, and the need for social reform. He writes with wit, insight, and passion, and his essays are still relevant and thought-provoking today.

In the title essay, Matthews argues that artists have a responsibility to challenge the status quo and to promote social change. He writes: "The artist is the conscience of the community, and his duty is to awaken it to its shortcomings and to inspire it to better things."

Matthews believed that art should be more than just entertainment; it should also be a force for social good. He criticized the commercialization of the theater and the rise of the star system, which he believed were stifling creativity and innovation. He also called for a new American drama that was more realistic and socially engaged.

In other essays in the collection, Matthews discusses the following topics:

• The need for a national theater in the United States
• The importance of studying drama in schools and universities
• The role of the playwright in society
• The relationship between art and morality

Matthews's essays are not just about art and literature. He also writes about the need for social reform in areas such as education, criminal justice, and labor relations. He believed that art and social justice were inextricably linked, and that both were essential for creating a better future.

The Tocsin of Revolt is a clarion call for change. Matthews's essays are a challenge to the reader to think critically about the status quo and to imagine a better world. He believed that humanity was capable of great things, and he urged the reader to work to create a more just and equitable society.

Essence and Spirit of the Book

The essence of The Tocsin of Revolt is a belief in the power of art and literature to change the world. Matthews believed that artists have a responsibility to challenge the status quo and to promote social justice.

The spirit of the book is one of hope and optimism. Matthews believed that humanity is capable of great things, and he urged the reader to work to create a better future.

Conclusion

The Tocsin of Revolt is a timeless collection of essays that is still relevant today. Matthews's insights into the role of the artist in society and the need for social change are as important as ever. The book is a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of art, literature, and society.