Subject
Failure (Psychology) -- Fiction Books
Best books
Henry Mackenzie
The Man of Feeling
"The Man of Feeling" by Henry Mackenzie is a sentimental novel published in 1771. Through a fragmented manuscript discovered by chance, readers follow the naïve Harley through a series of moral encounters—with beggars, con men, a prostitute, and fellow travelers. His journey from home to London and back reveals a hero whose extreme sensitivity and compassion set him apart in an increasingly cynical world. As Harley weeps for strangers and gives freely to those in need, his tender heart leads toward an inevitable, poignant conclusion involving his beloved Miss Walton.
Daniel Wright Kittredge
The Memoirs of a Failure: with an Account of the Man and His Manuscript
"The Memoirs of a Failure: with an Account of the Man and His Manuscript" by Daniel Wright Kittredge is a fictional, interpretative biography written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the enigmatic figure of William Wirt Dunlevy, a man marked by his singularly strange life, intellectual pursuits, and the personal manuscript that embodies his failures and struggles. Through the portrait of Dunlevy, the book explores themes of isolation, ambition, and the nature of success. The beginning of the work introduces the author’s intent to unravel the character of Dunlevy, a student who is observably different from his peers at the University of Virginia. The narrator reflects on Dunlevy’s aloof demeanor, peculiar habits, and the whispers of a lost love that haunt his past. As the narrative unfolds, we learn of Dunlevy's declining health and retreat from the university—a decision fueled by mental anguish and an inability to connect with his contemporaries. This initial segment sets the stage for a deeper exploration into Dunlevy’s subsequent life, his time at Harvard, and the eventual fate of both the man and his manuscript, leaving a haunting impression of a complex and tragic individual.
Charles W. (Charles Waddell) Chesnutt
The Colonel's Dream
"The Colonel's Dream" by Charles W. Chesnutt is a novel published in 1905. After selling his business, Colonel Henry French returns to his North Carolina hometown with his son, hoping for a brief nostalgic visit. Instead, he confronts the harsh reality of post-Civil War racial oppression and economic injustice. Determined to transform his segregated Southern town into an equal society, the Colonel challenges powerful local interests and deeply entrenched white supremacy. His ambitious dreams for social reform meet fierce resistance, personal tragedy, and violent opposition.
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