The Intersection of Literature and Activism in Selected Works of Elizabeth Garver Jordan, Mary Heaton Vorse, and Edith Franklin Wyatt
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D)
Department
Literature and Languages
Date of Award
Spring 5-1-2026
Abstract
As a period of immense social and political change, the early twentieth century was rife with literary activism. Both journalists and fiction authors wrote about suffrage, labor reform, and other human rights matters. Elizabeth Garver Jordan, Mary Heaton Vorse, and Edith Franklin Wyatt were three writers who blurred the line between fiction and activism; an intersection that provided a powerful medium to promote social change. The relationship and interaction between these authors’ popular fiction writing and activist writing cannot be fully divided as their sociopolitical ideals colored their fiction. Their works of literary activism are examples of a broader field of discourse that served as a powerful force not only to convey the writers’ beliefs but to inspire others to act.
Advisor
Karen Roggenkamp
Subject Categories
Arts and Humanities
Recommended Citation
Kamp, Melissa, "The Intersection of Literature and Activism in Selected Works of Elizabeth Garver Jordan, Mary Heaton Vorse, and Edith Franklin Wyatt" (2026). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 1362.
https://lair.etamu.edu/etd/1362
