Dr. Breen's Practice

Name: Dr. Breen's Practice
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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American Literature Novels

About This Book

The narrative depicts life at a modest coastal resort where long‑standing boarders and occasional newcomers spend a season amid faded hopes and quiet routines. Action shifts between the bluff, the hotel, and nearby simple cottages, observing bathing rituals, parlour reading, croquet, and household intimacies; recurring conversations about health, propriety, and future prospects expose tensions between private desire and public expectation. Episodic interactions involving care, romance, and local gossip illuminate questions of moral judgment, social pretension, and personal duty as the community adapts to economic stagnation and shifting tastes.

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.