# Going Direct Series Review - Part 3: The Conquest of Dough
## A Critical Analysis of Roger Lewis's Economic and Social Commentary
# Going Direct Series Review - Part 3: The Conquest of Dough
## A Critical Analysis of Roger Lewis's Economic and Social Commentary
## Research Overview
- "The Conquest of Dough" represents the second volume in Lewis's Going Direct series
- The work combines three epic poems with narrative elements exploring economic themes
- Published in 2024, it includes both reprinted and new material that forms a cohesive critique of modern economic systems
## Literature Analysis
### Theoretical Framework
The work operates within several theoretical contexts:
- Economic critique of usury and modern banking
- Social commentary on class structures
- Historical analysis of monetary systems
- Philosophical examination of value and exchange
### Analysis of the Three Epic Poems
#### 1. "Usury Hell's Fuel, Mans Oppressor"
- Structure: Multi-voice narrative exploring the nature of usury
- Key Themes:
- Historical development of banking systems
- Critique of interest-based economics
- Social impact of usurious practices
- Literary Devices:
- Use of multiple perspectives (banker, priest, soldier)
- Historical allegories
- Classical references
#### 2. "Bourgeois Resolution"
- Structure: Three-voice poem with fourth-part harmony invitation
- Key Themes:
- Class consciousness and social hierarchy
- Revolutionary cycles
- Power dynamics in society
- Technical Elements:
- Musical metaphors
- Dialectical structure (thesis, antithesis, synthesis)
- Interactive element inviting reader participation
#### 3. "Globalisation Un-Entangled"
- Structure: Contemporary critique of global economic systems
- Key Themes:
- Nationalism versus globalism
- Political power structures
- Environmental concerns
- Literary Approach:
- Historical parallels
- Political commentary
- Environmental critique
### Novel Analysis
The narrative framework connects the poems through:
- The story of Abdul and the sacred dough
- Historical connections to ancient trade routes
- Commentary on modern economic systems
- Critique of contemporary power structures
## Research Gaps and Future Directions
### Areas for Further Study
- Impact of traditional banking practices on modern economics
- Role of artisanal traditions in economic resistance
- Relationship between food sovereignty and economic independence
- Environmental implications of global economic systems
### Methodological Considerations
- Integration of poetic and narrative forms
- Use of multiple perspectives in economic critique
- Historical analysis in contemporary context
## Discussion
### Literary Significance
- Innovative combination of poetry and economic critique
- Use of historical allegory to illuminate contemporary issues
- Integration of multiple literary forms
### Theoretical Implications
- Challenges to conventional economic theory
- Alternative perspectives on globalization
- Critique of modern banking systems
### Practical Applications
- Understanding of economic power structures
- Analysis of resistance to global financial systems
- Examination of alternative economic models
## Conclusion
"The Conquest of Dough" represents a significant contribution to economic and social critique through its:
- Integration of poetic and narrative forms
- Historical analysis of economic systems
- Contemporary critique of globalization
- Examination of alternative economic models
The work successfully combines literary creativity with serious economic and social commentary, offering both artistic merit and substantive critique of modern economic systems.
### Limitations
- Complex structure may challenge some readers
- Dense historical references require background knowledge
- Multiple narrative voices may create confusion
- Poetic form may obscure economic arguments
The work stands as a unique contribution to both literary and economic discourse, challenging readers to consider alternative perspectives on modern economic systems while maintaining artistic integrity.