The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1882-01-20
LETTER OF GEORGE ELIOT.
To a Critic of Her DANIEL oeronaa.'

lFrom the Atheneum.
We owe the opportunity of publishing
the following letter to the courtesy OF
Professor D. kaufman, to whom 1t
was addressed Professor Kaufman is
well known by his remarks on g Daniel
Deronda," and it will be seen that his
criticisms attracted the notice of the
novelist, and led her to writing to hlm
TIE PR1oRr, 81 NORTH BANK,
May 81, 1877.
MY DEAR SIMILARLY, since 1 became an
author, have 1 had a deeper satisfaction,
may say more heartfelt Joy, than You have
given me in your estimate Of DANIEL De
ronda."
1 must tell Won that it is my rule, very
strictly observed, not toread the criticisms on
my writings. For years have found TINS 40
stinence necessary to preserve me from that
discourag cement artist which ll-Judged
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 III our
work is the painful impression that we write
for public which has no discernment OF GOOD
and evil.
NY husband reads any notices OF me that
comes before him. and reports to me Tor else
refrains from reporting) the general character
Of the notice, or something IN particular WINCH
strikes him as showing either an exceptional
insight or an obtuseness that Is gross enough
TO be amusing Very rarely, when he has READ
critioue of me he has handed 1t TO me- say
ing, ''You must read this" And your esu-
mate Of 81 Daniel Deronda made one oi-Ihese
rare instances.
Certainly, if had been asked to choose what
should be written about my book ana VINO
should write it. / should have sketched-Welli
not anything so good what you nave WIZ
ten, but an article which must be written ~ d
Jew who showed not merely sympathy Win tlio
best aspirations of his race but a remarAaDIe
insight INTO the nature Of art and the processes
Of the artistic mind. Believe me shoulc tiot
have cared TO devour even ardeut praise II 1t
had not come from one VINO showed the olz-
eliminating sensibility, the perfect response 10
the artists intention, which must make the
fullest, rarest JOY to one who works from m
ward conviction, and not IL compliance Win
current fashions. Such q response holds Tor
an author not only what is best in Z. the life
that now is" but the promise Of that (which
Is to come" / mean that the usual approx
native, narrow perception Of what one has been
intending and prOfcsscdly feeling IN ones
work, impresses one with the sense that II must
be poor, perishable stuff without roots, to take
any lasting hold in the minds Of men while
any instance Of complete comprehenslon en-
courages one to hope that the creative prompt
ing has foreshadowed, and viii continue to sat
isfy, need in other minds.
Excuse me that write imperfectly, and per-
haps dimly, what l have felt IN reading your
article. II has affected me deeply, and though
the prejudice and ignorant obtuseness which
has met my effort to contribute something to
the ennobling of Judaism il 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 I confess that had unsatisfed
hunger for certain signs OF sympathetlc dis
cerument, which you only have given. may
mention as one instance your clear perception
Of the relation between the presentation OF tho
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 a vagrant condi-
ton around me. But l wish not to defer an
swering Your letter 10 uncertain opportu-
nifty.
Nv husband has said more than once that he
feels grateful to you. For ne is more sensitive
on my behalf than on his own.
Hence he uuites with me in the assurance Of
the high regard with which / remain always
yours faithfully. NJ. L. LEwEs.