Subject
Characters and characteristics in literature Books
Best books
Virginia Woolf
Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Brown
"Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Brown" by Virginia Woolf is an essay published in 1924 that explores the arrival of modernism in literature. Written as a rebuttal to critic Arnold Bennett's dismissal of her work, Woolf argues that human character fundamentally changed around 1910, requiring writers to evolve their methods. She challenges Bennett's notion of "reality" in fiction, contrasting traditional Edwardian approaches with new Georgian sensibilities. Through the imagined figure of Mrs. Brown, Woolf defends modernist writing as impressionistic truth-telling for a transformed world.
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Character Writings of the Seventeenth Century
"Character Writings of the Seventeenth Century" by Henry Morley is a scholarly collection that reflects on a specific literary form prevalent in the seventeenth century, likely compiled in the late 19th century. This work serves as an anthology of character sketches that explore various human traits and societal roles typical of that era, drawing on the contributions of notable writers like Theophrastus, Sir Thomas Overbury, and Joseph Hall, among others. It meticulously examines how virtues and vices were personified through detailed descriptions, offering insights into moral and ethical considerations relevant to the time. The opening of the text outlines the origins of character writing, tracing its lineage back to classical figures such as Theophrastus. It describes the intent behind character sketches, which aims to delineate human qualities rather than individuals. Through examples like the humorous yet critical portrayal of "Stupidity," the reader is introduced to the style and substance of character writings, showcasing how common types—like the Ruffler, the Timist, and the Flatterer—were depicted with wit and a keen understanding of human nature. The introductory section sets the tone for the rest of the collection, inviting readers to engage with historical characterizations that resonate through time and illustrate the shared human experience.
Henry Norman Hudson
Shakespeare: His Life, Art, And Characters, Volume I. With An Historical Sketch Of The Origin And Growth Of The Drama In England
"Shakespeare: His Life, Art, And Characters, Volume I." by Henry Norman Hudson is a biographical work written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the life, artistic contributions, and dramatic characters of William Shakespeare, providing an in-depth historical context regarding the evolution of English drama. Hudson explores Shakespeare's heritage, personal life, and his significant influence on literature and theater. The opening of the text introduces the subject matter by emphasizing Shakespeare's renowned status as the preeminent figure in literature. It outlines the scant historical documentation surrounding his life and discusses previous attempts at biographical accounts, highlighting their reliance on traditional materials. Hudson begins to trace Shakespeare’s lineage, detailing the lives of his parents, John and Mary Shakespeare, their socioeconomic status, and significant events in their lives that may have shaped Shakespeare's future, including the connections to the burgeoning world of drama in England. This establishes the groundwork for a fuller exploration of Shakespeare's artistic journey and the cultural backdrop against which his works were created.
Henry Gally
Henry Gally : $b A critical essay on characteristic-writings from his translation of The moral characters of Theophrastus (1725)
"A Critical Essay on Characteristic-Writings" by Henry Gally is a critical analysis written in the early 18th century. This work serves as an introductory essay to Gally's translation of "The Moral Characters of Theophrastus," and it focuses on the conventions of characteristic writing—a popular literary form of the time. In this essay, Gally discusses the nature of character writing and its evolution from classical origins. In this critical essay, Gally reflects upon the characteristics of effective writing, especially in the context of the moral characters defined by Theophrastus. He asserts that a successful character should represent human nature in a way that is lively and true to life, emphasizing that superficial or exaggerated traits undermine the authenticity of writing. Gally critiques contemporary writers, particularly de la Bruyère, for their deviations from what he sees as the foundational principles of character writing. He highlights the importance of a plain and natural style, claiming that capturing the nuances of human behavior is paramount to the genre's success. Through his analysis, Gally calls for a deeper understanding of human motivations and behaviors, advocating for a return to the clear reflection of reality as seen in Theophrastus’s work.
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