| Author |
Howells, William Dean, 1837-1920 |
| Title |
Criticism and Fiction
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| Note |
Reading ease score: 51.2 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
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| Credits |
Produced by David Widger
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| Summary |
"Criticism and Fiction" by William Dean Howells is a critical examination of literary theory and aesthetics, written during the late 19th century. This text delves into the relationship between art and the appreciation of literature, posing essential questions regarding the criteria for evaluating artistic merit in a world where tastes and fashions are ever-changing. The author discusses how true beauty and goodness lie in the unpretentious and sincere, and he advocates for literature that faithfully reflects life over that which conforms to established ideals. The beginning of "Criticism and Fiction" explores the themes of changing tastes in art and literature, using the works of historical figures such as John Addington Symonds and Edmund Burke to illustrate its arguments. Howells reflects on the superficial nature of popular fashions, emphasizing the importance of truth and simplicity in artistic expression. He critiques prevailing literary standards that often favor romanticized or idealized portrayals of life while advocating for a realism that mirrors true human experience. Throughout this opening section, Howells establishes his standpoint that the most meaningful art stems from an honest representation of life rather than the pursuit of artificial perfection or adherence to outdated conventions. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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| Language |
English |
| LoC Class |
PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
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| Subject |
Criticism
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| Subject |
Fiction -- History and criticism
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| Category |
Text |
| EBook-No. |
3377 |
| Release Date |
Oct 22, 2004 |
| Most Recently Updated |
Jan 8, 2021 |
| Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
| Downloads |
153 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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