New-York tribune., 1896-12-07
THEY STUDY NOVELS.
MRS. STONE. FOUNDER OF THE NOVEL
CLUB TELLS THE OBJECT OF
TILE ORGANIZATION.

| Mrs. NJ. NJ. Barbour Stone. who is now in Paris.
| sends to THE Only Womars Page the following
| plan of the Modern Novel Club of St. Louis. OF
which she is founder and in which she is greatly
interested. Her method OF nvesSa ton and study Is
OF unusual thoroughness. She says:
You have asked me for some account OF the
methods and object OF the Modern Novel Club: In
reality / have two objects, though the work was
originally begun for the purpose OF studying our own
times through the pages Of modern felton, In the
more serious grades of this fiction many OF the
practical difficulties of life brought out-the un-
usual conditions, the un!ntelgible characters
the advanced opinions which are demanding at
tenton with such persistence. Light is thrown
upon these factors by the one best able TO do
It, the modern author who is making con-
scentious realistic study OF the times and human
nature which are right under his own eyes
I'm this kind of literary study more stress would
naturally be laid upon the problems and characters
than upon the style OF the book though not from
the least wish deprcciate the value of good writ
ing. But, unfortunately. II Is constantly assumed
that this is my reason, and consequence there
has resulted great deal of adverse criticism for
plan which could consider modern fiction worth
studying at all
Ten years Of this criticism has naturally led
study the effect of the plan pursued In our
| highest Institutions OF learning, which systematic
cally ignore modern fiction in their literary course
J These institutions having the floor and unques-
toned authority. this mere act OF ignoring has
most widespread influence But in carrying out
this tradition the educators OF to-day may be CIV
| ing no thought whatever to results. 1t Is
fortunate fact that many educators. in their anx-
eiy 10 cultivate literary and the art OF ex-
preston forget to ask what effect upon character
certain kinds OF literature having. what is
to be the effect upon this character of shutting out
tho valuable education which comes from studying
and understanding our own times.
These complex. hgh-keyed modern times are a
subject for the most serious consideration. and
system which keeps the intelligent public from tax
ing all possible interest in 1t needs close attention
1t was with the hope Of arousing this attention
that | decided this year make prominent the
work Of Modern Novel Club. There would be
no discrimination against the classic literature If
reading clubs added this practical study OF the
modern to the other course. The TWO could 50 on
amicably side by side. and in lifting the study OF
modern analytical and realistic fiction to its right
ful place a most practical influence for good would
| be excrtcd
"A severe course of such study in modern fiction
would be- of great value those reformers and phi
anihropists who have no knowledge Of the subtle
human traits they are trying to reform or help.
whose sole equipment FOR their work is either
sentimental or a domineering passion for control
ng affairs.
THE methods for managing this club very
simple The books supposed to be read through
before the evenings when they are to be discussed
/ have meantime marked all the paragraphs which
bear upon the various subjects. characters and
opinions brought out IN each novel and these are
read in order at the different meetings. When
these subjects are very unfamiliar TO the
mc nb.rs of the club. men or who spe
claly Interested are asked or volunteer 10 be pres
,.n, and encourage the discussion But as far as
possible a club engaged I'm such work as this should
be required 10 do its own thinking ana Acknowledge
the duty of giving fun and Courteous expression ci
.I...i tor - nH
cal ones upon which every cultured person snouI
nave drnnii" Ideas thiS - Hot Sk'iis zoo Hucn OF
should Dee divided among the members beforehand.
each giving his best thought upon me subJ'cts
Thi, viii not be- easy ~ II might seem, is The
thinking must generally he original one or the
difficulties. and also the advani4ses ot ms knd oi
study is that cannot usually 20 down 10 ire
libraries and cram. but must think out opinions :or
.'vhur these novels are studied prin ipally as
plcturcs OF modern ne certain proportion OF the
time Is always given To- discussing me Hte.Ary rr
i.ctions and defects OF each. sometimes dn alter
[ i",' 7sn,oDt,ro~s uart OF m. same ,v-ning rhe
creed for this par, Of the discussion IL simple
enough | discourage the habit Of measuring Gre
,noL or au,hor by another The creed .ctls scme-
ming in this way. 80 book f. well writ ~, oi is
am artistic production. however b'aui'ni the ian,
guagr well balanced the sentcncc- or well rounded
m. t,rod. II II falsncs the truth OF any kind. or
ca,itatur.s human nature. or ignores the laws OF
perspective in arranging the component parts OF
The story around the central mOiii.'
Here again the plan OF study meets win much
opposition owing think 10 the fact that IN edu-
ctfipuaI circles much NOR" attention Is PAID 10 IN
s,stiup upon the eternal supremacy OF the classics
fhun 10 defining exactly the meanings OF the words
.-fyl. and tterature.' A. "A consequence to many |
styl. means only conventional arrangement OF |
words and sentences. without IN" slightest rcfcr-
rr ia the ideas they are meant to reveal, and the
,.orI .i,.ratur.'-gOod icraiurc-is coming to be |
""'t -, ,nrv,hiug which deals realistically with
,hr most doubtful phases OF human nature.
The membership Of each club should be rom
,bir,v ia nftv Both sexes. young and old. should !
he renrcsontcd 1t Is n question whether II might !
not be better conhne III" work to matrons. ana |
ca mare deeply into the many subjects III womans |
dnunln which are calling p"rs.st"ntly for nteNl- |
|,.mt ovcrhIullng There should certainly be club |
rmrnieh m. basis OF H. bccaus, the dis 'ussions |
would then be- less abstract and more interesting |
and more easily grasped
4 com WATER BATH.