Erewhon

The novel presents a fictional society that initially seems utopian but reveals deeper critiques of Victorian norms and the British Empire. Samuel Butler, inspired by his experiences in New Zealand, infuses "Erewhon" with themes of artificial intelligence, evolution, and industrialization. This satirical work challenges societal self-importance while reflecting Butler's personal doubts about faith and his clerical upbringing. Its lasting significance in 19th-century literature is underscored by its thought-provoking exploration of these complex ideas.