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“Our Habit Saves You”: Peircean Subjectivity in “The Beast in the Jungle”
- The Henry James Review
- Johns Hopkins University Press
- Volume 34, Number 1, Winter 2013
- pp. 47-63
- 10.1353/hjr.2013.0001
- Article
- Additional Information
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This article uses Charles Peirce’s theory of subjectivity to examine “The Beast in the Jungle.” Peirce argues that an individual’s beliefs manifest themselves through external, Pragmatic consequences. These consequences often foster doubts which undermine the individual’s beliefs, forcing re-evaluations. Peirce’s theory helps reveal that John Marcher’s professed terror and anticipation is an esoteric and self-important belief that gains a limited Pragmatic affirmation through May Bartram. While May’s love for Marcher is able to keep away intrusive doubts, Marcher’s lack of love for May and the attendant Pragmatic consequences of this failure ultimately launch the beast.