The Philistines

by Arlo Bates

"The Philistines" by Arlo Bates is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book explores the tensions between artistic integrity and commercial success through the character of Arthur Fenton, an artist who negotiates the complex social landscape of Boston's elite art patrons. As he navigates his relationship with his well-connected wife, Edith Caldwell, the story delves into themes of ambition, societal expectations, and the realities of artistic life amidst the superficiality of the society they live in. The opening of the novel introduces Arthur Fenton, an outspoken member of an artistic group known as the Pagans, who marries Edith Caldwell with the intent to leverage her connections for his own gain within the art world. He is characterized as a pragmatic artist willing to compromise his ideals for success, finding recognition as a fashionable portrait painter. The chapter also sets the stage for a larger dialogue on the nature of honesty and the moral compromises individuals make for societal acceptance. In this initial portion, the reader encounters Fenton's complex inner life, his social maneuvering, and the delicate dynamics within his marriage, suggesting an intricate exploration of personal and professional conflict that will unfold throughout the novel.