The Blindman's World
The Blindman's World is a novel by Edward Bellamy, first published in 1891. It tells the story of a blind man, John, who is suddenly given the ability to see. He is overwhelmed by the new world he discovers, and struggles to make sense of it. He meets a variety of people, from the wealthy to the poor, and learns about the world around him. He also discovers the power of love and friendship, and how it can help him to cope with his newfound sight. In the end, John learns to accept his new life and to appreciate the beauty of the world around him.
By Edward Bellamy · First published 1897 · Genre: Social Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy · 3 chapters · 7,254 words
First lines
THE narrative to which this note is introductory was found among the papers of the late Professor S. Erastus Larrabee, and, as an acquaintance of the gentleman to whom they were bequeathed, I was requested to prepare it for publication. This turned out a very easy task, for the document proved of so extraordinary a character that, if published at all, it should obviously be without change. It appears that the professor did really, at one time in his life, have an attack of vertigo, or something of the sort, under circumstances similar to those described by him, and to that extent his narrative may be founded on fact. How soon it shifts from that foundation, or whether it does at all, the reader must conclude for himself. It appears certain that the professor never related to any one, while living, the stranger features of the experience here narrated, but this might have been merely from fear that his standing as a man of science would be thereby injured.
What this Textopian page supports
The Blindman's World is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edward Bellamy, dated 1897 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edward Bellamy
- Date: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Social Science Fiction, Romance, Fantasy, Dystopian
- Length: 7,254 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 63 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Blindman's World by Edward Bellamy
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Blindman's World?
- How does this short story by Edward Bellamy fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Social Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Looking Backward by George Eliot
- The New World Order by H. G. Wells
- Homeward Bound by George Griffith
- The Man In Asbestos An Allegory Of The Future by Stephen Leacock
- The World Of The Crystal Cities by George Griffith
- Shadows Of The Coming Race by George Eliot
Genres
- Social Science Fiction — The Blindman's World is a novel by Edward Bellamy that explores the themes of utopianism and socialism, making it a work of social science fiction.
- Romance — The Blindman's World contains a romantic subplot between two of the main characters, making it a work of romance.
- Fantasy — The Blindman's World contains elements of fantasy, such as the idea of a utopian society, making it a work of fantasy.
- Dystopian — The Blindman's World contains elements of dystopian fiction, such as the idea of a society that is not perfect, making it a work of dystopian fiction.
Tags
utopia · socialism · blindness · society · technology · reform · equality · vision · future · humanity · philosophy · critique
Contents
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: The Professor's Narrative
- Chapter 3: The Document Found on My Desk