Conventional Reading Research Articles

Structure and functions of talking book mobile applications: a comparative study of Google Play Books, Audible, LibriVox, Storytel and Loyal Books

PurposeTalking book mobile applications have introduced the concept of reading through listening. Though conventional reading methods are preferable, talking book mobile applications have the advantage that they treat every user equally. The purpose of this paper is to compare the five popular talking book mobile applications namely Google Play Books, Audible, LibriVox, Storytel and Loyal Books.Design/methodology/approachThis research compares and evaluates features and functionalities of five different talking book mobile applications using a checklist method. A structured checklist is prepared to compare the five popular talking book mobile applications comprising 261 dichotomous questions divided into 13 categories.FindingsAfter evaluating the features, an attempt was made to rate the selected applications. According to the evaluation, Audible application performed better than others. This study about the features and functions of talking book mobile applications considered a total number of 261 features from the selected five mobile applications. Audible is ranked first with 182 (69.7%) features and is rated “Above average”; Storytel (68.2%) is second with 178 features, also rated “Above average”; Google Play Books ranked third with 161 (61.7%) features, rated “Average”; LibriVox ranked fourth with 151 (57.9%) features and is rated “Below average”. Fifth is Loyal Books with 130 (49.8%) features, rated “Below average”.Research limitations/implicationsThe study covers only five talking book mobile applications. The checklist used in the study is generic covering limited features. Further, the perceptions of users were also not included while comparing the talking book mobile applications. The study does not comprehend whether the talking book mobile applications fulfil the information needs of the users.Practical implicationsUsers can use the findings of the study in choosing the suitable talking book mobile application suitable to their requirements. Instructors of information literacy programmes can use the checklist to train the users in using talking book mobile applications that can accelerate the usage of these mobile applications.Originality/valueThe study identifies the features that should be available in a model talking book mobile application. Features of the talking book mobile applications were evaluated after preparing the detailed checklist. Features were divided into 13 different categories. The checklist used in the study is original and the first of its kind. The findings of the study can be used by developers of talking book mobile applications to improve their functionalities.

Interaksi Media Sosial dan Minat Baca di Kalangan Gen Z

This study aims to examine the interaction between social media and reading interest among Gen Z, a generation born in the digital era and highly dependent on social media in daily life. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, this study explores Gen Z's perception of the impact of social media on reading habits, both positively and negatively. The type of research used is a qualitative descriptive approach. Data was obtained from 20 informants through semi-structured interviews and observation of social media activities related to literacy. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively consisting of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawn. The results of the study show that although social media diverts some attention from conventional reading activities, this platform can also be used as a tool to promote literacy through online reading communities and literacy-related content. This research provides important insights for the development of strategies to increase reading interest among the younger generation.

Predicting the Malignancy Grade of Soft Tissue Sarcomas on MRI Using Conventional Image Reading and Radiomics

Objectives: This study aims to investigate MRI features predicting the grade of STS malignancy using conventional image reading and radiomics. Methods: Pretherapeutic imaging data regarding size, tissue heterogeneity, peritumoral changes, necrosis, hemorrhage, and cystic degeneration were evaluated in conventional image reading. Furthermore, the tumors’ apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values and radiomics features were extracted and analyzed. A random forest machine learning algorithm was trained and evaluated based on the extracted features. Results: A total of 139 STS cases were included in this study. The mean tumor ADC and the ratio between tumor ADC to healthy muscle ADC were significantly lower in high-grade tumors (p = 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). Peritumoral edema (p < 0.001) and peritumoral contrast enhancement (p < 0.001) were significantly more extensive in high-grade tumors. Tumor heterogeneity was significantly increased in high-grade sarcomas, particularly in T2w- and contrast-enhanced sequences using conventional image reading (p < 0.001) as well as in the radiomics analysis (p < 0.001). Our trained random forest machine learning model predicted high-grade status with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97 and an F1 score of 0.93. Biopsy-underestimated tumors exhibited differences in tumor heterogeneity and peritumoral changes. Conclusions: Tumor heterogeneity is a key characteristic of high-grade STSs, which is discernible through conventional imaging reading and radiomics analysis. Higher STS grades are also associated with low ADC values, peritumoral edema, and peritumoral contrast enhancement.

Demonstration of 4-quadrant analog in-memory matrix multiplication in a single modulation

Analog in-memory computing (AIMC) leverages the inherent physical characteristics of resistive memory devices to execute computational operations, notably matrix-vector multiplications (MVMs). However, executing MVMs using a single-phase reading scheme to reduce latency necessitates the simultaneous application of both positive and negative voltages across resistive memory devices. This degrades the accuracy of the computation due to the dependence of the device conductance on the voltage polarity. Here, we demonstrate the realization of a 4-quadrant MVM in a single modulation by developing analog and digital calibration procedures to mitigate the conductance polarity dependence, fully implemented on a multi-core AIMC chip based on phase-change memory. With this approach, we experimentally demonstrate accurate neural network inference and similarity search tasks using one or multiple cores of the chip, at 4 times higher MVM throughput and energy efficiency than the conventional four-phase reading scheme.

Application value of volumetric CT value in quantifying the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma.

The purpose of this study was to explore the auxiliary diagnostic value of volumetric CT value in quantifying the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma. Chest CT image data of 112 patients with pulmonary tuberculomas who were diagnosed clinically between October 16, 2013 and March 21, 2023 were selected. With the shortest diameter axis>5 mm on the mediastinal window serving as the inclusion criterion, 108 active tuberculomas and 64 non-active tuberculomas were selected. The focused image was manually segmented using ITK-SNAP software, the volumetric CT value of the focus was calculated, and the ROC curve was analyzed. Using the final clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, the auxiliary diagnostic efficacy and consistency of the conventional CT film reading method and volumetric CT value in determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were compared. The volumetric CT value of 108 active pulmonary tuberculoma lesions (33.39 [28.17,36.23] HU) was significantly less than 64 inactive pulmonary tuberculoma lesions (78.91 [57.81,120.31] HU); the difference was statistically significant (Z = -10.888. P < 0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that at a maximum Yoden index value of 0.963, the optimal volumetric CT threshold value was 45.32 HU, the sensitivity and specificity of the volumetric CT value in determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were 97.2% and 100.0%, respectively, and the maximum area under the ROC curve was 0.998. Taking the final clinical diagnosis as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, consistency, and kappa value of the conventional CT film reading method for determining the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma were 72.2% (78/108), 70.3% (45/64), 71.5% (123/172), and 0.413, respectively, while the corresponding volumetric CT values were 97.2% (105/108), 100.0% (64/64), 98.3% (168/172), and 0.951, respectively. Accurately quantifying the volumetric CT value of a pulmonary tuberculoma focus determines the activity of a pulmonary tuberculoma, which has very important auxiliary diagnostic value.

Comparing Realities: A Study on the Impact of Virtual Reality versus Paper-Based Reading on Higher Education Students' Comprehension Skills

Virtual Reality (VR) stands at the forefront of transformative educational technologies in the 21st century, promising to redefine traditional learning paradigms. This research delves into the impact of VR on higher education students' Reading Comprehension (RC) skills, contrasting it with conventional paper-based reading environments. By conducting a comparative analysis of RC skills among students engaged in reading a selected narrative through VR glasses and those using a paper-based format, this study offers valuable insights into the efficacy and challenges of VR in enhancing reading comprehension. A cohort of 98 undergraduate students participated in this study, which employed a mixed-methods research approach to scrutinize the differences in RC outcomes between the experimental (VR) and control (paper-based) groups. The findings reveal a notable disparity in RC scores, with the control group outperforming their VR counterparts, highlighting the need for further investigation into the obstacles faced by students when reading in a VR setting. Qualitative analysis sheds light on the underlying reasons for the diminished RC levels observed in the VR group, providing a nuanced understanding of the interaction between medium and comprehension. The implications of this research are far-reaching, offering crucial guidance to educational technologists, curriculum designers, policy makers, and educators contemplating the integration of VR into educational frameworks. By identifying the constraints and potential of VR in reading instruction, this study paves the way for optimizing VR-based learning environments to foster higher levels of reading comprehension among students.

Analisis Kesulitan Belajar dalam Pembelajaran Membaca Cepat Siswa Kelas V Sekolah Dasar Beserta Solusi yang Ditawarkan Menggunakan Metodequantum Reading

Efforts must always be made to improve students' reading abilities in elementary school students, especially as reading, which is part of literacy, is very poor, especially for elementary school students. The quantum reading method is an ideal method to be implemented in elementary schools so that students can continue to increase their interest in reading. The research aims to examine the application of the quantum reading method in elementary schools, both in essence and in theoretical-based applications.This research is based on facts in the field, namely students' low interest in reading, no initiative to read books, lack of reading activities, and unsupportive library facilities. So students often experience difficulties in learning to read, especially in speed reading. So the author took the initiative to describe the analysis of learning difficulties in learning to read quickly for fifth grade elementary school students along with the solutions offered using the quantum reading method.The formulation of the problem in this research is how to increase students' reading interest who use the quantum Reading method and conventional reading methods in Indonesian language subjects in Grade V Elementary Schools. This research aims to determine the increase in reading interest of students who use the quantum reading method and conventional methods in schools. Base.

A new artificial intelligence system for both stomach and small-bowel capsule endoscopy

Despite the benefits of artificial intelligence in small-bowel (SB) capsule endoscopy (CE) image reading, information on its application in the stomach and SB CE is lacking. In this multicenter, retrospective diagnostic study, gastric imaging data were added to the deep learning-based SmartScan (SS), which has been described previously. A total of 1069 magnetically controlled GI CE examinations (comprising 2,672,542 gastric images) were used in the training phase for recognizing gastric pathologies, producing a new artificial intelligence algorithm named SS Plus. A total of 342 fully automated, magnetically controlled CE examinations were included in the validation phase. The performance of both senior and junior endoscopists with both the SS Plus-assisted reading (SSP-AR) and conventional reading (CR) modes was assessed. SS Plus was designed to recognize 5 types of gastric lesions and 17 types of SB lesions. SS Plus reduced the number of CE images required for review to 873.90 (median, 1000; interquartile range [IQR], 814.50-1000) versus 44,322.73 (median, 42,393; IQR, 31,722.75-54,971.25) for CR. Furthermore, with SSP-AR, endoscopists took 9.54 minutes (median, 8.51; IQR, 6.05-13.13) to complete the CE video reading. In the 342 CE videos, SS Plus identified 411 gastric and 422 SB lesions, whereas 400 gastric and 368 intestinal lesions were detected with CR. Moreover, junior endoscopists remarkably improved their CE image reading ability with SSP-AR. Our study shows that the newly upgraded deep learning-based algorithm SS Plus can detect GI lesions and help improve the diagnostic performance of junior endoscopists in interpreting CE videos.

Transformations of Reading and Readership in the Czech Republic from 2007 to 2023

This study delves into the Czech Republic’s reading habits from 2007 to 2023, specifically looking at how digital technology has affected reading. Especially among younger audiences, who are showing a marked preference for digital forms, the author’s findings reveal significant shifts in readership demographics. Among certain age groups, the report shows a worrying decline in conventional reading. On the other hand, it does recognize that the rise of digital platforms has contributed to more engagement with audiobooks and e-books. Reading habits are strongly associated with educational possibilities and access to technology, according to the study, which also links these reading tendencies to larger socio-economic variables and academic accomplishments. The author stresses the importance of reading in creating digitally literate, critically thinking people and suggests specific educational initiatives to increase digital literacy. This larger view sheds light on how reading is evolving and highlights the need for an all-encompassing strategy to promote literacy in the face of fast technological change.

MRI Texture Analysis of Inguinal Lymph Node Metastasis in Vulvar Cancer - Associations With Histopathology.

Texture analysis is a quantitative imaging technique that provides novel biomarkers beyond conventional image reading. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between texture parameters and histopathological features of lymph nodes in patients with vulvar cancer. Overall, nine female patients (mean age 70.1±13.4 years, range=39-87 years) were included in the analysis. All patients had squamous cell carcinomas and underwent upfront surgery with inguinal lymph node resection. Immunohistochemical assessment was performed using several markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The presurgical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was analyzed with the MaZda package. In discrimination analysis, several parameters derived from T1-weighted images showed statistically significant differences between non-metastatic and metastatic lymph nodes. The highest statistical significance was reached by the texture feature "S(0,3)InvDfMom" (p=0.016). In correlation analysis, significant associations were found between MRI texture parameters derived from both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images and the investigated histopathological features. Notably, S(0,3)InvDfMom derived from T1-weighted images highly correlated with the Vimentin-score (r=0.908, p=0.001). Several associations between MRI texture analysis and immunohistochemical parameters were identified in metastasized lymph nodes of cases with vulvar cancer.

Entering into the Unknown”: Subverting Mary Shelley in the Teleplay Frankenstein: The True Story

Since its publication in 1818, the narrative of Frankenstein has undergone diverse interpretations and adaptations. Despite the passage of two centuries, the enduring significance of this novel remains undiminished. The span between 1910 and 1975 saw the emergence of a total of thirty-two adaptations of the Frankenstein narrative. Notably, the 1973 adaptation of the novel, jointly written by Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy, has often eluded the thorough examination it warrants. Isherwood and Bachardy reimagined Shelley’s novel, introducing a homoerotic perspective that offers an alternative lens to examine the relationship between Victor Frankenstein and his creation. This interpretation of Frankenstein differs from the conventional reading of a strictly filial bond between the two characters. This essay aims to closely examine the 1973 teleplay Frankenstein: The True Story, analysing Victor Frankenstein’s relationship with his non-human/posthuman creation through the lens of a queer theory. Furthermore, the analysis will explore how the 1973 adaptation subverts the heteronormative ideology inherent in Mary Shelley’s narrative. Drawing from Butler’s theoretical stance, the essay contends that subversion serves as a political instrument to contest prevailing norms from within the framework of the narrative, thereby prompting a restructuring that highlights and questions heteronormative predispositions. This study will take a cue from the insights of posthumanist, queer, and feminist thinkers such as Julia Kristeva, Judith Butler, and Lee Edelman for analysing the teleplay.

A Prospective Analysis of Screen-Detected Cancers Recalled and Not Recalled by Artificial Intelligence.

The use of artificial intelligence has potential in assisting many aspects of imaging interpretation. We undertook a prospective service evaluation from March to October 2022 of Mammography Intelligent Assessment (MIA) operating "silently" within our Breast Screening Service, with a view to establishing its performance in the local population and setting. This evaluation addressed the performance of standalone MIA vs conventional double human reading of mammograms. MIA analyzed 8779 screening events over an 8-month period. The MIA outcome did not influence the decisions made on the clinical pathway. Cases were reviewed approximately 6 weeks after the screen reading decision when human reading and/or MIA indicated a recall. There were 146 women with positive concordance between human reading and MIA (human reader and MIA recalled) in whom 58 breast cancers were detected. There were 270 women with negative discordance (MIA no recall, human reader recall) for whom 19 breast cancers and 1 breast lymphoma were detected, with 1 cancer being an incidental finding at assessment. Six hundred and four women had positive discordance (MIA recall, human reader no recall) in whom 2 breast cancers were detected at review. The breast cancers demonstrated a wide spectrum of mammographic features, sites, sizes, and pathologies, with no statistically significant difference in features between the negative discordant and positive concordant cases. Of 79 breast cancers identified by human readers, 18 were not identified by MIA, and these had no specific features or site to suggest a systematic error for MIA analysis of 2D screening mammograms.

Six-Dimensional Guidance: The Strategies of Thinking Quality Cultivation in Senior High School English Discourse Learning

Taking the discourse learning of the new senior high school English textbook published by the People’s Education Press as an example, combined with the “six-dimensional guidance” deep reading strategy, and through the six-skill training strategies of “memory skill training, understanding skill training, application skill training, analytical skill training, evaluation skill training, creative skill training,” this paper aims to cultivate students’ thinking profundity, logic, flexibility, sensitivity, criticality, and originality. It also promotes the real implementation of senior high school English deep reading that points to the cultivation of thinking quality in classroom teaching, and realizes the transformation from “conventional reading” to “deep reading” that reflects the core literacy of the discipline.

Defending Guinevere: Re-reading William Morris’ “The Defence of Guenevere”

This essay examines how William Morris strategically defended Guinevere and her affair with Lancelot in his poetry “The Defence of Guenevere” within the cultural landscape of the nineteenth century. Instead of repeating the conventional reading of Queen Guinevere as a model of transgressive women fixed by the dichotomous good versus bad femininity, this essay more focuses on Guinevere’s various guises in order to contexualize Guinevere and her adultery in a broader sense of human nature. First, this essay explores how Morris portrayed a true picture of Guinevere, which was obscured and overshadowed by the dominant gender discourse of the time, by applying his anachronistic and unconventional literary device deviated from conventional social norm and literary style. Although Morris’ radical and unconventional Arthurian world failed to appeal the contemporaries, this essay argues that it was Morris’ subtle and ingenious way that reflected the nineteenth century culture as well as his forward-looking view of a potential shift in the status of women. Considering the fact that it was a critical period in the evolution of modern legal and cultural attitudes to the relation of women and sexuality, Morris was a more realistic observer describing Victorian anxieties about the conservative Victorian sexual discourse in his poetry.

The Effects of Blended Learning on Chinese Undergraduate EFL Students' Reading Achievement And Engagement

The present study aimed to examine the effects of blended learning on Chinese undergraduate EFL students’ reading achievement and engagement. To achieve the objectives, a quasi-experimental research was carried out. It involved 82 junior EFL participants who were divided into a control group and an experimental group in a Chinese university. Only the experimental group was taught with blended learning in EFL reading activities, whereas the control group retained the conventional F2F EFL reading instruction. Both groups received the Reading Comprehension Test (RCT) and the Higher Education Student Engagement Scale (HESES) test during pre- and post-tests. After a twelve-week treatment in the experimental group, independent sample t-test and ANCOVA analyses were utilized to compare the pre- and post-test results of both groups. According to the findings of the study, blended learning showed a significant positive effect on Chinese undergraduate EFL students’ reading achievement and the overall student engagement in which students’ academic engagement, cognitive engagement, social engagement with teachers, and social engagement with peers presented more effective results in blended learning than that in conventional learning, although students’ affective engagement indicated no statistically meaningful difference. Therefore, blended learning as a popular learning normality in the digital era can be adopted in EFL reading class for optimizing EFL reading comprehension and activating student engagement in a sustainable manner.

Hypometabolic patterns of focal cortical dysplasia in PET-MRI co-registration imaging: a retrospective evaluation in a series of 83 patients.

To characterize the PET-MRI co-registration of hypometabolic patterns in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) types I and II and provide some suggestions in presurgical evaluation of epilepsy surgery. We retrospectively analyzed PET-MRI co-registration imaging data from a cohort of 83 epilepsy patients with histologically confirmed FCD types I and II. Hypometabolic patterns were classified into 4 types: bottom of sulcus hypometabolism (BOSH), single island of sulcus hypometabolism (SIOS), single gyrus or sulcus hypometabolism (SGOS), and multiple gyri and sulci hypometabolism (MGOS). Most of cases that were overlooked by conventional MRI and PET evaluation but positive in PET-MRI co-registration were focalized lesions in dorsolateral frontal lobe (9/15) and FCD type IIa was the most prevalent pathological type (11/15). The FCD histological types (p = 0.027) and locations (p < 0.001) were independent predictors of PET-MRI co-registration hypometabolic patterns. Focalized hypometabolic patterns (BOSH, SIOS, SGOS) were primarily observed in the frontal lobe (33/39) and FCD type II (43/62) and extensive pattern (MGOS) in temporal lobe (18/20) and FCD type I (16/21; p < 0.005). PET-MRI co-registration enhanced the detection of FCD type IIa compared with conventional MRI and PET reading. The hypometabolic patterns of FCD type I and temporal lobe FCD were more extensive than those of FCD type II and frontal lobe FCD, respectively. The predilection of focalized hypometabolic patterns in frontal lobe FCD suggested that subtle lesions should be checked carefully in patients with suspected frontal lobe epilepsy.

Follow-up of liver metastases: a comparison of deep learning and RECIST 1.1.

To compare liver metastases changes in CT assessed by radiologists using RECIST 1.1 and with aided simultaneous deep learning-based volumetric lesion changes analysis. A total of 86 abdominal CT studies from 43 patients (prior and current scans) of abdominal CT scans of patients with 1041 liver metastases (mean = 12.1, std = 11.9, range 1-49) were analyzed. Two radiologists performed readings of all pairs; conventional with RECIST 1.1 and with computer-aided assessment. For computer-aided reading, we used a novel simultaneous multi-channel 3D R2U-Net classifier trained and validated on other scans. The reference was established by having an expert radiologist validate the computed lesion detection and segmentation. The results were then verified and modified as needed by another independent radiologist. The primary outcome measure was the disease status assessment with the conventional and the computer-aided readings with respect to the reference. For conventional and computer-aided reading, there was a difference in disease status classification in 40 out of 86 (46.51%) and 10 out of 86 (27.9%) CT studies with respect to the reference, respectively. Computer-aided reading improved conventional reading in 30 CT studies by 34.5% for two readers (23.2% and 46.51%) with respect to the reference standard. The main reason for the difference between the two readings was lesion volume differences (p = 0.01). AI-based computer-aided analysis of liver metastases may improve the accuracy of the evaluation of neoplastic liver disease status. AI may aid radiologists to improve the accuracy of evaluating changes over time in metastasis of the liver. • Classification of liver metastasis changes improved significantly in one-third of the cases with an automatically generated comprehensive lesion and lesion changes report. • Simultaneous deep learning changes detection and volumetric assessment may improve the evaluation of liver metastases temporal changes potentially improving disease management.

Youth Practices of Reading as a Form of Life and the Digital World

The proliferation of digital technologies is precipitating a transformation in the socio-cultural fabric of human existence. The present study is dedicated to investigating the coexistence of various reading practices among contemporary youth in the modern era. The advent of new forms of reading has resulted in a shift from conventional paper-based reading to electronic formats, which, in turn, has transformed the practice of reading and the way of life associated with it. The methodological foundation of this research is the socio-philosophical theory that the practice of reading, rooted in the habitus of reading, is enacted by practitioners, and organized through public initiatives. The context of the reading practice system is a distinct historical system of circumstances in which practices are reproduced. This study encompasses an empirical component, focusing on the examination of reading practices among young individuals in a large modern city, specifically within the confines of Yekaterinburg (N = 200). The research was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022. This study permits an analysis of the constituent elements of the reader’s habitus model as a form of life.

Co-registration with subtraction and color-coding or fusion improves the detection of new and growing lesions on follow-up MRI examination of patients with multiple sclerosis

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to compare the performance of three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reading methods in the follow-up of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Materials and methodsThis retrospective study included patients with MS who underwent two brain follow-up MRI examinations with three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) sequences between September 2016 and December 2019. Two neuroradiology residents independently reviewed FLAIR images using three post-processing methods including conventional reading (CR), co-registration fusion (CF), and co-registration subtraction with color-coding (CS), while being blinded to all data but FLAIR images. The presence and number of new, growing, or shrinking lesions were compared between reading methods. The reading time, reading confidence, and inter- and intra-observer agreements were also assessed. An expert neuroradiologist established the standard of reference. Statistical analyses were corrected for multiple testing. ResultsA total of 198 patients with MS were included. There were 130 women and 68 men, with a mean age of 41 ± 12 (standard deviation) years (age range: 21–79 years). Using CS and CF, more patients were detected with new lesions compared to CR (93/198 [47%] and 79/198 [40%] vs. 54/198 [27%], respectively; P < 0.01). The median number of new hyperintense FLAIR lesions detected was significantly greater using CS and CF compared to CR (2 [Q1, Q3: 0, 6] and 1 [Q1, Q3: 0, 3] vs. 0 [Q1, Q3: 0, 1], respectively; P < 0.001). The mean reading time was significantly shorter using CS and CF compared to CR (P < 0.001), with higher confidence in readings and higher inter- and intra-observer agreements. ConclusionPost-processing tools such as CS and CF substantially improve the accuracy of follow-up MRI examinations in patients with MS while reducing reading time and increasing readers' confidence and reproducibility.

The Stepford Wives, Or: The Horrors of Domesticity

ABSTRACT This paper provides a new interpretation of Ira Levin’s novel The Stepford Wives (1972). It seeks to refute that the novel “misses the deeper concerns over the wage relations making the antagonism between Joanna and her husband inevitable” (Brady 2021, 9) and that its ambivalent ending is “part of a canny strategy” (Neill 2018, 265) to win as large a readership as possible. I will show that female economic dependence is in fact the key issue of The Stepford Wives. Moreover, I draw on the novel’s roots in the Gothic genre to demonstrate that its ambivalence entails an insightful commentary on the pervasiveness of patriarchy. Levin’s novel illustrates that the fight for women’s rights is challenged on multiple levels, neither solely nor exclusively by men, but rather by a whole (patriarchal) culture. Gender equality hence requires that both men and women critically reflect on their own role in sustaining patriarchy. The Stepford Wives therefore paints a more complex picture of the “war between the sexes” than its conventional reading allows.