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A Psychological Counter-Current in Recent Fiction   By: (1837-1920)

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William Dean Howells' A Psychological Counter-Current in Recent Fiction provides a mesmerizing examination of the underlying currents running through contemporary literary works. Through his meticulous analysis, Howells offers a deep exploration of the psychological nuances that pervade modern fiction, shedding light on the profound impact they have on readers.

One of the book's key strengths lies in Howells' ability to navigate through a vast range of literary examples, considering both well-known and lesser-known authors. By drawing from various genres and eras, he paints a comprehensive picture of the psychological complexities present in literature, captivating readers of diverse tastes.

Howells' writing style is both engaging and enlightening, making his insights accessible to readers at all levels of familiarity with the subject matter. He seamlessly integrates his own thoughts with excerpts from the works he examines, enriching the reading experience. Moreover, his arguments are well-structured, logical, and compelling, making it easy for readers to follow and absorb his analysis.

The author's expertise shines through in his thorough examination of literary themes and characters. He illuminates the intricate web of human emotions, motivations, and struggles found within literary works, demonstrating a profound understanding of the human psyche. Howells highlights the power of literature to serve as a mirror to our own lives, prompting us to reflect on our actions, desires, and inner conflicts.

However, at times, the sheer breadth of examples used by Howells can become overwhelming. While his intention is to offer a comprehensive exploration, some readers might find it challenging to keep up with the numerous references. Nevertheless, with patience and a willingness to delve into the world of psychology in literature, readers will discover the rich rewards of Howells' analysis.

Overall, A Psychological Counter-Current in Recent Fiction is an enthralling book that casts a revealing light on the psychological undercurrents present in contemporary literature. Howells' deep understanding of the human mind, coupled with his astute literary analysis, makes this book an essential read for anyone interested in exploring the intricate and captivating relationship between psychology and fiction.

First Page:

A PSYCHOLOGICAL COUNTER CURRENT IN RECENT FICTION.

by

William Dean Howells

It is consoling as often as dismaying to find in what seems a cataclysmal tide of a certain direction a strong drift to the opposite quarter. It is so divinable, if not so perceptible, that its presence may usually be recognized as a beginning of the turn in every tide which is sure, sooner or later, to come. In reform, it is the menace of reaction; in reaction, it is the promise of reform; we may take heart as we must lose heart from it. A few years ago, when a movement which carried fiction to the highest place in literature was apparently of such onward and upward sweep that there could be no return or descent, there was a counter current in it which stayed it at last, and pulled it back to that lamentable level where fiction is now sunk, and the word "novel" is again the synonym of all that is morally false and mentally despicable. Yet that this, too, is partly apparent, I think can be shown from some phases of actual fiction which happen to be its very latest phases, and which are of a significance as hopeful as it is interesting. Quite as surely as romanticism lurked at the heart of realism, something that we may call "psychologism" has been present in the romanticism of the last four or five years, and has now begun to evolve itself in examples which it is the pleasure as well as the duty of criticism to deal with... Continue reading book >>




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