News from Nowhere: Art for Art’s Sake or the Emotional State?

Abstract

From the nineteenth to the twenty-first century not much has changed in terms of the prevalence of capitalism. Nineteenth century writers from Marx to Morris have written about capitalist structures to discuss social systems and to provide critiques and offer solutions. Morris’s News from Nowhere presents an alternative society where art is a form of labour and all work is deemed pleasurable. However, the novel also reflects critically on socialism, as ideas of the usefulness of unnecessary art objects, such as books, are treated in a near satirical way. Morris points out the importance of freedom of expression and considers art as therapy. In addition, he presents a socialist agenda that promotes a peaceful, fulfilled, and happy society in all aspects of art - and books could only help support his views. This paper argues that News from Nowhere helps us think about the importance of art and literature to society: there will always be some competition and excess emotion in the human condition; an outlet for this excess helps make an equal society free of hierarchy and greed.