Criticism and Fiction

Name: Criticism and Fiction
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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About This Book

The essay examines how aesthetic judgments shift with fashion while arguing that simplicity, sincerity, and fidelity to observed life form a firmer standard for assessing art. It reviews critical traditions that search for fixed rules, criticizes academic imitation and idealization that encourage authors to copy masters rather than everyday speech and conduct, and questions excluding the ugly from artistic subject matter. Championing a democratic common-sense criterion available to all, it urges attention to nature and ordinary experience as tests of artistic truth and anticipates a movement toward more honest, life-grounded literature and criticism.

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.