The Quality of George Meredith
The work presents a critical examination of a prominent writer, highlighting the complexities and contradictions in his literary style and approach. The author begins by acknowledging the difficulty in defining the subject's literary identity, describing his style as chaotic yet occasionally brilliant. The critique emphasizes that while the writer excels in various aspects of literature, he struggles with language and storytelling, positioning him as a romanticist who deliberately distances himself from realism. The text contrasts the subject with other literary figures, particularly Balzac, who is portrayed as a master of blending artistic temperament with scientific rigor. The author argues that Balzac's characters possess a vibrant, almost dreamlike quality, imbuing them with life and depth that transcends mere realism. This comparison serves to underscore the subject's shortcomings in creating relatable and dynamic characters. The critique further explores the notion of realism, suggesting that the subject's refusal to conform to its principles results in a unique but flawed artistic vision. The author posits that the subject's style creates barriers between his work and the reader, likening it to a garden surrounded by thorns, which, while beautiful, keeps life at a distance. The text also reflects on the emotional impact of literature, using Balzac's character Lucien de Rubempre as an example of how fictional lives can resonate deeply with readers. The author expresses a personal sense of loss tied to this character, illustrating the profound connection between literature and human experience. Ultimately, the critique presents a nuanced view of the subject's literary contributions, acknowledging both the brilliance and the limitations of his work. It invites readers to consider the broader implications of artistic expression and the relationship between reality and imagination in literature.
By Oscar Wilde · First published 1891 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Essay, Romanticism · 588 words
First lines
Ah! Meredith! Who can define him? His style is chaos illumined by flashes of lightning. As a writer he has mastered everything except language: as a novelist he can do everything, except tell a story: as an artist he is everything except articulate. Somebody in Shakespeare -- Touchstone, I think -- talks about a man who is always breaking his shins over his own wit, and it seems to me that this might serve as the basis for a criticism of Meredith's method. But whatever he is, he is not a realist. Or rather I would say that he is a child of realism who is not on speaking terms with his father. By deliberate choice he has made himself a romanticist. He has refused to bow the knee to Baal, and after all, even if the man's fine spirit did not revolt against the noisy assertions of realism, his style would be quite sufficient of itself to keep life at a respectful distance. By its means he has planted round his garden a hedge full of thorns, and red with wonderful roses. As for Balzac, he was a most remarkable combination of the artistic temperament with the scientific spirit. The latter he bequeathed to his disciples. The former was entirely his own. The difference between such a book as M. Zola's _L'Assommoir_ and Balzac's _Illusions Perdues_ is the difference between unimaginative realism and imaginative reality. 'All Balzac's characters; ' said Baudelaire, 'are gifted with the same ardour of life that animated himself. All his fictions are as deeply coloured as dreams. Each mind is a weapon loaded to the muzzle with will.
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The Quality of George Meredith is listed on Textopian as an essay by Oscar Wilde, dated 1891 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Oscar Wilde
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Criticism, Essay, Romanticism, Realism, Comparative Literature
- Length: 588 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Literary Criticism — The work analyzes and critiques the writing style and thematic elements of George Meredith.
- Essay — The format and style of the text align with essayistic exploration of literary figures.
- Romanticism — The text discusses Meredith's romanticist tendencies in contrast to realism.
- Realism — The critique addresses realism and its relationship with Meredith's work.
Tags
Biography · Literary Criticism · Victorian Era · English Literature · George Meredith · Oscar Wilde · Satire · Social Commentary · Philosophy · Psychology · Character Study · Intellectualism