The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1882-03-10
LETTER OF GEORGE ELIOT.
70 Critic OF Her ~DapIel Deronaa,',

To a Critic of Her "DanIeI DerOnda.'
From the Athensum.I
We owe the opportunity of publishing
the following letter to the courtesy of
Professor D. kaufman, to whom it
was addressed. Professor Kaufman is
well known by his remarks on "Daniel
Deronda," and it will be seen that his
criticisms attracted the notice of the
novelist, and led her to writing to him :
THE PBIoBE, 81 NORTH BANK,
May 81, 1877.
My DEAR SIR-Hardly, since | became an
author, have 1 had deeper satisfaction, 1
may say rlore heartfelt joy, than you have
given me in your estimate OF "Daniel De-
ronda."
/ must tell you that it is my rule, very
strictly observed, not to read the criticisms on
my writings. For years l have found this ab-
stinence necessary to preserve me from that
encouragement as All artist which nl-ludged
praise, no less than ill-judged blame, tends to
produce in me. For far worse than any verdict
as to the proportion of good and evil IN our
work is the painful impression that we write
for public which has no discernment OF good
and evil.
My husband reads any notices of me that
com before him, and reports to me Cor else
refrains from reporting the general character
of the notice, or something in particular when
strikes him as showing either an exceptional
insight or an obtuseness that is gross enough
to be amusing. Very rarely, when he has read
critique Of me, he has handed it to me, say
ing, You must read this" And your estl-
mate of "Daniel Deronda" made one OF these
rare instances.
Certainly, if 1 had been asked to choose what
should be written about my book aud who
should write it, should have sketched-well,
not anything so good as what you have writ
ten, but an article which must be written by
Jew who showed not merely sympathy with the
best aspirations of his race. but remarkable
insight into the nature of art and the processes
of the artistic mind. Believe me ] should not
have cared 70 devour even ardent praise If 1t
had not come from one who showed the dis
eliminating sensibiity, the perfect response to
the artists intention, which must make the
fullest, rarest Joy to one who works from IN
ward conviction, and not i'll compliance with
current fashions. Such a response holds Tor
an author not only what is best in " the life
that now is" but the promise of that (which
is to come" l mean that the usual approx
native, narrow perception of what one has been
intending and professedly feeling III ones
work, impregses one with the sense that 1t must
be poor; perishable stuff without roots, to take
any lasting hold in the minds OF men; While
any instance or complete COMPREHENSION eL-
courages one to hope that the creative prompt
ing has foreshadowed, and will continue to sat
isfy, need in other minds.
Excuse me that l write imperfectly, and per-
haps dimly, what have felt in reading your
article. Ithas affected me deeply, and though
the prejudice and ignorant obtusenesc shich
has met my effort to contribute something to
the ennobling of Judaism in the conception of
the Christian community and in the conscious
ness of the Jewish community, has never for
moment made me repent my choice, but rather.
has been added proof to me that the effort was
needed-yet confess that l had an unsatisfied
hunger for certain signs of sympathetic dis
cernment, which you only have given. may
mention as one instance your clear perception
of the relation between the presentation OF the
Jewish element and those of English social
life.
I work under the pressure of small hurries;
for we are just moving into the country for the
summer and all things are in vagrant condl-
ton around me. But wish not TO defer an
swering your letter to an uncertain opportu-
nifty.
NY husband has said more than once that he
feels grateful to you. For he is more sensitive
on my behalf than on bis own.
Hence he umtes with me in the assurance of
the high regard With which l remain always
yours faithfully M. E. LEwEs.