Synopsis
After falling asleep for two hundred years a man wakes into a world that has been dramatically changed by his own past actions, resulting in an oppresive society.
History
First publication: The Graphic, serialized January 7 to May 6, 1899
Review
An excellent classic science fiction adventure. This book starts like a utopian novel, but later turns into an almost apocalyptic one. The main character is complex in that he is literally a nobody, thrust into greatness without anyhting remarkable about himself other than his ability not to age while he slept for hundreds of years as well as his wealth accumulated during his sleep. He has a poor understanding of the world he woke up into, and yet he seeks to understand instead of following the lead of the seemingly elite class he finds himself part of when he wakes. He risks comfort and convenience for the greater good of the whole, which speaks very much to the noble aspects of his character that prepetuate his motives. This makes the main character complex, but also consistent, a trait not often seen in modern narratives where characters can be more chaotic.
Videos
We have the story in these editions:
When the Sleeper Wakes (A Critical Text), edited by Leon Stover, hardcover, McFarland & Company, 2000-00-00
