A Foregone Conclusion By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)
A Foregone Conclusion by William Dean Howells is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of love, relationships, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Italy, the story follows the life of protagonist Basil March, a struggling artist who finds himself entangled in a series of unpredictable and often dramatic events. Howells masterfully captures the essence of the time and place, transporting readers to the picturesque streets of Rome and the vibrant art scene that defined the era. Through his vivid descriptions and richly detailed narrative, the author effortlessly immerses us in a world where passion, art, and tradition collide. At the heart of the story is Basil's lifelong infatuation with Isabel, a beautiful and intelligent woman who is engaged to another man. Here, Howells skillfully explores the complexities of unrequited love, examining the depths of human emotion and the sacrifices that one is willing to make in the name of love. The characters in A Foregone Conclusion are exquisitely crafted, each possessing their own flaws, desires, and aspirations. Basil March, in particular, is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist whose experiences encompass both triumphs and defeats. Howells presents him as a multidimensional character, showcasing his growth, struggles, and the moral dilemmas he faces throughout the novel. This makes Basil's journey all the more engaging and encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and choices. In addition to its compelling storyline and complex character development, A Foregone Conclusion offers a thoughtful critique of societal expectations and the limitations imposed by cultural norms. Howells challenges the conventions of his time, questioning the roles that society assigns to individuals based on their gender, social standing, and artistic pursuits. Through his thought-provoking narrative, he urges readers to question the status quo and embrace individual freedom. However, despite its many merits, the novel does suffer from moments of pacing issues, particularly in the middle sections where the plot seems to stagnate. Some readers may find themselves longing for more action or a faster narrative pace during these passages. Nevertheless, these moments are overshadowed by the overall strength and depth of the novel's themes and characters. In conclusion, A Foregone Conclusion is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of love, art, and societal expectations in nineteenth-century Italy. Howells' meticulous attention to detail, vivid imagery, and compelling characters create an immersive reading experience that lingers with the reader long after the final page. While it may not be without its minor flaws, the novel remains a thought-provoking and engaging work by one of America's celebrated literary figures. First Page: A FOREGONE CONCLUSION BY W. D. HOWELLS Fifteenth Edition. A FOREGONE CONCLUSION I. As Don Ippolito passed down the long narrow calle or footway leading from the Campo San Stefano to the Grand Canal in Venice, he peered anxiously about him: now turning for a backward look up the calle, where there was no living thing in sight but a cat on a garden gate; now running a quick eye along the palace walls that rose vast on either hand and notched the slender strip of blue sky visible overhead with the lines of their jutting balconies, chimneys, and cornices; and now glancing toward the canal, where he could see the noiseless black boats meeting and passing. There was no sound in the calle save his own footfalls and the harsh scream of a parrot that hung in the sunshine in one of the loftiest windows; but the note of a peasant crying pots of pinks and roses in the campo came softened to Don Ippolito's sense, and he heard the gondoliers as they hoarsely jested together and gossiped, with the canal between them, at the next gondola station. The first tenderness of spring was in the air though down in that calle there was yet enough of the wintry rawness to chill the tip of Don Ippolito's sensitive nose, which he rubbed for comfort with a handkerchief of dark blue calico, and polished for ornament with a handkerchief of white linen... Continue reading book >>

A Foregone Conclusion By: William Dean Howells (1837-1920)

A Foregone Conclusion by William Dean Howells is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of love, relationships, and societal expectations. Set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Italy, the story follows the life of protagonist Basil March, a struggling artist who finds himself entangled in a series of unpredictable and often dramatic events.

Howells masterfully captures the essence of the time and place, transporting readers to the picturesque streets of Rome and the vibrant art scene that defined the era. Through his vivid descriptions and richly detailed narrative, the author effortlessly immerses us in a world where passion, art, and tradition collide.

At the heart of the story is Basil's lifelong infatuation with Isabel, a beautiful and intelligent woman who is engaged to another man. Here, Howells skillfully explores the complexities of unrequited love, examining the depths of human emotion and the sacrifices that one is willing to make in the name of love.

The characters in A Foregone Conclusion are exquisitely crafted, each possessing their own flaws, desires, and aspirations. Basil March, in particular, is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist whose experiences encompass both triumphs and defeats. Howells presents him as a multidimensional character, showcasing his growth, struggles, and the moral dilemmas he faces throughout the novel. This makes Basil's journey all the more engaging and encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and choices.

In addition to its compelling storyline and complex character development, A Foregone Conclusion offers a thoughtful critique of societal expectations and the limitations imposed by cultural norms. Howells challenges the conventions of his time, questioning the roles that society assigns to individuals based on their gender, social standing, and artistic pursuits. Through his thought-provoking narrative, he urges readers to question the status quo and embrace individual freedom.

However, despite its many merits, the novel does suffer from moments of pacing issues, particularly in the middle sections where the plot seems to stagnate. Some readers may find themselves longing for more action or a faster narrative pace during these passages. Nevertheless, these moments are overshadowed by the overall strength and depth of the novel's themes and characters.

In conclusion, A Foregone Conclusion is a captivating novel that explores the complexities of love, art, and societal expectations in nineteenth-century Italy. Howells' meticulous attention to detail, vivid imagery, and compelling characters create an immersive reading experience that lingers with the reader long after the final page. While it may not be without its minor flaws, the novel remains a thought-provoking and engaging work by one of America's celebrated literary figures.

First Page:

A FOREGONE CONCLUSION

W. D. HOWELLS

Fifteenth Edition.

A FOREGONE CONCLUSION

As Don Ippolito passed down the long narrow calle or footway leading from the Campo San Stefano to the Grand Canal in Venice, he peered anxiously about him: now turning for a backward look up the calle, where there was no living thing in sight but a cat on a garden gate; now running a quick eye along the palace walls that rose vast on either hand and notched the slender strip of blue sky visible overhead with the lines of their jutting balconies, chimneys, and cornices; and now glancing toward the canal, where he could see the noiseless black boats meeting and passing. There was no sound in the calle save his own footfalls and the harsh scream of a parrot that hung in the sunshine in one of the loftiest windows; but the note of a peasant crying pots of pinks and roses in the campo came softened to Don Ippolito's sense, and he heard the gondoliers as they hoarsely jested together and gossiped, with the canal between them, at the next gondola station.

The first tenderness of spring was in the air though down in that calle there was yet enough of the wintry rawness to chill the tip of Don Ippolito's sensitive nose, which he rubbed for comfort with a handkerchief of dark blue calico, and polished for ornament with a handkerchief of white linen... Continue reading book >>

This book is in genre
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – William Dean Howells
Wikipedia – A Foregone Conclusion

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac