A Psychological Counter-Current in Recent Fiction

Name: A Psychological Counter-Current in Recent Fiction
Author: William Dean Howells

By William Dean Howells

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American Literature Essays, Letters & Speeches

About This Book

The essay contends that a rising psychologism in recent fiction counterbalances both decadent romanticism and crude determinism by restoring inward motive as the source of action. It analyzes contemporary novels and short stories, citing examples by Gilbert Parker and Henry Van Dyke, and considers how character study, redemption themes, and particular Canadian settings and social types function artistically. The critic praises works that fuse lyrical feeling with psychological realism and faults those that rely on chance incidents or melodramatic contrivances rather than sustained moral and emotional development.

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.