Quaker characters have peopled many an American literary work-mostnotably, "Uncle Tom's Cabin"-as Quakerism has been historicallyassociated with progressive attitudes and the advancement of socialjustice. With the rise in recent years of the Christian romancemarket, dominated by American Evangelical companies, there has been arenewed interest in fictional Quakers. In the historical Quakerromances analyzed in this book, Quaker heroines often devote time tospiritual considerations, advocate the sanctity of marriage andpromote traditional family values. However, their concern with socialjustice also leads them to engage in subversive behavior and toquestion the status quo, as illustrated by heroines who are active onthe Underground Railroad or are seen organizing the Seneca Fallsconvention. Though relatively liberal in terms of gender, Quakerromances are considerably less progressive when it comes to racerelations. Thus, they reflect America's conflicted relationship withits history of race and gender abuse, and the country's tendency toboth resist and advocate social change. Ultimately, Quaker romancesreinforce the myth of America as a White and Christian nation, hereembodied by the Quaker heroine, the all-powerful savior who rescuesNative Americans, African Americans and Jews while conquering thehero's heart.
