The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-01-05
.eTHE BREAD-wINNERs."
A Just Criticism of a Novel Whose Author Is
Wisely Anonymous.

7. W. Hieginson. in The Woman's journal.
''The Bread Winners, an anonymous novel in
the Century, and one which seemed at first to
promise something original and graphic, has
come to a rather feeble and hurried end and
really adds nothing of value to our literature.
But it gives another illustration of that essential
vulgarity Of tone which pervades so many novels
and applies especially to the relations of the
sexes. 1t is apt to be especially marked in those
novels which undertake to paint society, as this
does by drawing imaginary line across it,
half way up, and then attributing all the cardi-
nal virtues to those who happen to be above this
line and all the seven deadly sins to those below
il. Dickens temporarily made an end of that
sort of thing-and indeed went too far the other
way-in the English novel. Perhaps we have
yet to take turn at it in America and GER
tainly The Bread Winners is fair sample to
begin with.
certain vulgaTity Of tone not so evident in the
coarser characters as in those announced and in
PRODUCED as being finer. The hero, who poses
for us a type of all elevation and elegance,
early awaliens doubts to his culture by say
ing. II wonder if l have mended matters any
Century August p 5S3l; and he ends by estab-
fishing very serious doubts as to his gentle
manincss when he kisses young girl of the
poorer class in his own conservatory. while he
nevertheless despises her and is very much in
love with somebody else The plot finally turns
upon the natural rage of the girl and the very
wellfounded jealousy of her lover and really,
on the Whole. these number perSOnageS COM
mand quite as much of the readers respect as
the superfne and fastidious Arthur Farnham.
This is not in tine least what the author intends:
hut he brings it about in spite Of himself.
But the most striking feature of the whole, ]
.,ould say is the immense inequality of the ret
=: 1uton dealt out. Maud Matchin, the heroine
--lr, at any rate, the main feminine performer
is silly. halfeducated, ambitious novel-read-
ing girl with beauty enough to spoil stronger
had Arthur Falnham the hero, has had every
advantage Of society. books and travel Half
charm, 4 wi in him and half with his surround
it.ls she throws herself into his arms to all in
tents and purposes, tells him II love YOU but
has with all her faults. the self-respect to say:
IF am not to be your wife, must never see
you again. You know that, don't you" With
t is accurate definition of her purpose she lays
her hand on his shoulder he frOwns she turns
pie and sinks and he puts his arm round her
Her beautiful eyes look into his like
1.-THE eyes of a vigorous infant
very vigorous. l should say-and it ends in
her putting up her lips to his and his kissing her
"He was entirely aware of the Righteousness Of
his position, but he stopped and kissed her with
hearty goodwill" When she inquiries very natu-
rally. 'You love me, do you not" he answers
roolly, ~ certainly do not"-and then they are
fortunately interrupted
| must confess that, from this moment of the
story, my sympatbies, at least are with the young
woman. She took him for gentleman, but had
very vague ideas as to what gentleman was.