The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-07-05
STORIES OF DICKENS.
His Opinion of George Eliot's Sex-First
Reading of "Pickwick."

Reading of "Pickwick.
W. p Firth in My Autobiography"
1t was at this time that Dickens COM
mcnced the public readings OF his works,
and they became Immediately very poplar
as well as profitable. avalled myself OF
his offer OF tickets OF admission to Han
over Square rooms, and heard him read
the trial from "Pickwick" and some other
novel, the name OF which | forgot. 1t
seems bold thing for me TO say, but felt
very strongly that the author had totally
misconccived the character OF one OF his
own creations. In reading the humorous
rcpartees and quaint sayings OF Sam Weller,
Dickens lowered his voice TO the tones OF
one who was rather ashamed OF what he
was saving, and AFRAID OF being reproyed
for the freedom of his uttcrances. | failed
in being able to reconcile myself TO such
rendering Of character that, of all others,
seemed TO me to call for an exactly 0ppo-
site treatment. Sam is self.possessed,
quick, and ncver-faiing in his illustrations
and rejoinders, even to the point OF impu-
dencc.
When determined 10 tell the great au-
thor that he had mistaken his own work, l
knew should be treading on dangerou us
ground. But on the occasion OF Il sitting,
when my victim was more than ever good
natured, unburdened my mind, giving
reasons for my objections. Dickens list
cned, smiled family and sad not word.
A few DAYS after this my friend Elmore
asked my opinion Of the readings, telling
me he was going TO hear them, and
frankly warned him that he would be dis.
appointed with the character Of sam
Weller. A few days more brought a call
from Elmore, who roundly abused me for
giving him an utterly false account OF the
Weller episode.
, "Why," he said, "the sayings came
from Dickens like pistol shots; there was
no 'sncaking' way OF speaking, as you de-
scrbed it," Can it be possible" thought
j, that this man who, rs it is told OF the
great Duke OF Wellington, never took any.
bodys opinion but his own, has adapted
from my suggestion rendering of one OF
the children OF his brain Numerically op.
posed TO his own conception Of it?''
At the next sitting all was explained,
for on my telling Dickens what Elmorc
had said, with n twinkle in his eye with
those who knew him so well remember, he
replied:
al altered il little-made II smarter. u
"You can't think how proud J feel, -
said |, "and surprised too for, from my
knowledge OF YOU, and from what | hay,
heard from other people, you are abou
the last man 10 take advice about anything
least of all about the way OF reading you
own books"
"On the contrary" was the reply
whenever ! am wrong am always oh
liged to anyone who will tell me OF il; bu
up to the present ! have never beer
wrong"
With Dickens permission used to rca,
the early sheets OF the new novel rs the,
Law upon his desk. On one OF the few occa
sions on which got TO work before him,
saw upon the table q paper parcel with
letter on the top Of it. From the shape
guessed that Il contained books rs thu
event proved Presidently Dickens cam
in and read the letter, saying
"llcrc YOU are again. This is the kin,
OF thing am subject 10; people send IN,
their books, and. whatismOrc, they requir
me 10 read them; and what is almost a
bad, demand my opinion of them. Rca'
that"
obcyed. and read what appeared TO m
a.. a very we'll written appeal to the grea
,kmas,er in the art, of which the writer wa
gki-ysry humble disciple, etc, begging 70
his pcIusal of the accompanying work
and his judgment upon Il. an
80 on. The work was "Adal
Bcdc, and the writer's name was Geor,
Eliot Dickens took mp one OF the vo
umcs, looked into il, and said seem
cleyer-a good style; suppose | must rca
IT,"
And read it he did that very day, f.
the next morning he said
"Thai's very good hook indeed, b
George Eliot. hut, unless am mistaken
G.. Eliot is woman"