A Modern Instance

Name: A Modern Instance
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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About This Book

The novel traces the collapse of a once-promising marriage in a provincial community, following the husband's steady moral decline, the wife's suffering and eventual estrangement, and a mutual friend's struggle with loyalty and honest judgment. Through careful domestic scenes and realist observation, it examines social expectations, legal and moral consequences, and the distance between public reputation and private failure. The narrative emphasizes psychological motivation and ordinary routines, offering an unsentimental study of responsibility, disillusionment, and the limits of compassion within intimate relationships.

About the Author

William Dean Howells

William Dean Howells (1837-1920) was an influential American author and literary critic, often regarded as the "Dean of American Letters." He is best known for his realistic portrayals of American life and society, particularly in the late 19th century. Howells's works often explore themes of social class and morality, reflecting the complexities of contemporary life. His notable novel, "A Hazard of New Fortunes," delves into the challenges faced by individuals in a rapidly changing society. Throughout his career, Howells contributed significantly to the development of realism in American literature, advocating for a more truthful representation of everyday experiences.