An Anarchist Woman

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26719

Title

An Anarchist Woman

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Hutchins Hapgood's *An Anarchist Woman* explores the temperament of revolt through the life of Marie, a Chicago factory hand and servant. Blending autobiography with social commentary, the novel examines the origins of anarchist thought, the harsh realities of industrial labor, and the tragic limitations of extreme individualism within a rigid society.

Summary up to 500 words

Hutchins Hapgood's *An Anarchist Woman* presents a sociological study of the 'temperament of revolt' through the life of Marie, a woman born in a Chicago slum in 1884. Orphaned by the cruelty of her parents and forced into child labor handling corrosive chemicals and candy, Marie survives a childhood of exploitation before entering domestic service at fifteen. There, she encounters a radical salon of anarchists, criminals, and outcasts who reject conventional morality, religion, and private property. Among them is Terry, a charismatic but unstable figure whose extreme individualism leads to self-destruction. Marie initially finds solace and intellectual stimulation in this rebellious circle, embracing their critique of American hypocrisy and their search for a higher human love. The narrative illustrates how such rebellion offers a vitalizing philosophy for the oppressed, welcoming those who otherwise have no society or hope. However, the text argues that taking this idealism to an extreme ultimately leads to sterility and death. Terry's descent into madness and reliance on drugs exemplifies the danger of rejecting all social forms without a foundation of instinctive acceptance. Marie eventually leaves the salon, seeking a 'normal' life as a respectable housekeeper in San Francisco. This transition illustrates the book's central thesis: that the best government—and perhaps the best philosophy—is one that makes itself superfluous by addressing the root causes of rebellion. The work serves as both a vivid portrait of the proletariat and a cautionary tale about the limits of social rebellion. Hapgood suggests that while the extreme rebellious attitude educates us, it must eventually be surpassed to allow for a stable, vital existence. The story concludes with Marie finding health and normalcy, while Terry fades into isolation, demonstrating that the pragmatic value of a philosophy lies in how it works out in real life, not just in its idealistic potential.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• United States
• Anarchists