The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-08-30
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
Literary Art-A Handbook for Its
study, by an indianapolis Writer.


Literary Art-A Handbook for Its
study, by an Indianapolis Writer.
1t is a proposition hardly to be disputed
that of two persons listening 10 fine music.
that one who has acquaintance with the
science of musical composition and is IA
miliar with its technicahties has a better
comprehension of the character of the work
and its rendition than has the listener
whose appreciation is limited to its melo-
dous quality. The same is true of pic
ture. Two observers will understand that
a fine landscape is before them, but the one
who has studied the intricacies of the
painters art will understand precisely
what has been done to produce the desired
effect He will note the perspective, the
pecularities of cOlorinS, the Tone the
marks of the tool, in short, as handled by
this particular workman, and will thus car
ry away an impression of a different sort
from that obtained by one who looks at it
only as a whole, as a representation of d
bit of nature. What is true of music and
painting is also true of literature, but, as
it happens, literature is less of an exact
art than are the other two; it has certain
fixed rules of construction to which all
varieties of composition must adhere, of
course, but the capabilities of thought and
language afford such a wide sweep that it
is not d simple matter to define either the
characteristics which constitute the special
beauty and charm of each or those which
belong in common to all the best literature.
1t is to this analysis that Miss Harriet No
BILE has set herself in her book entitled
Literary Art AS she says very truly in
her introduction AT no time in the his
tory of the English-speaking peoples has
there been so much attention paid to the
study of literature as at present. More and
more is the fact being realized that it is
an insufficient education which does not de-
velop taste for the best recorded thought
of the ages; and more and more it is real
lied that for the majority of persons this
taste is by nature but moderate possess
sion and one that must be strengthened
through protracted familiarity with the
literature itself and d slowly developed
recognition of the principles by which it
has been given form" This introduction,
which Is quite elaborate, includes discus
sion of arr IN general and OF methods of
Interpretation, together with schedules Tor
systematic analyses OF poetry, drama and
fiction. In the succeeding chapters the
principles upon which the analysis Is made
are set fortn-the method by which the con-
cepuon OF an author may best be under
stood and the means by which he produces
the result aimed at maze clear. The theme,
the plan its character and ampliticauon,
Verslncation and style are each considered
in turn ana with much ability. The work
consists, In fact, of series OF connected
essays, ana, though intended for use in the
class work OF advanced students, 1t bears
little likeness to the stereotyped textbook
but has in itself a literary art that leads
the reader on to the end with increasing
interest. The final chapter is given up to
d discussion of certain movements in liter
allure, notably that of the symbolists. AL
though the author does not ex-
press admiration or approval of
this school of writers, but the re-
verse it will perhaps be felt by some that
she gives it undue Importance in even
classing as a serious movement what is
development. This, however, is but a mat
ter of individual opinion. Her discussion of
morality in art found in the same chapter,
is interesting. This is, she says, "a deli
cate subject to handle judciously, but we
should say that the morality of a book is
to be measured by It's final effect upon the
mind of the reader, as primarily intended
by the author, and as affecting the read
ers tastes, feelings and ideals. The avowed
apparent intention of the author does
not always decide this matter. He may
aim at good result by Objectionable
means. Under Objectionable means we
should class the presentation of the gross
and morbid in such way as to pervert the
mind by their insidious suggestions and
conclusions while ostensibly portraying the
truth. 1t covers not only admirable ard
seductive manipulation of the sensuous, but
any frothy and sensational and falsely
sentimental handling of social issues All
tragedy rests on forbidden situations it is
great because of its art and because II
purifes and strengthens mems mental and
moral vision"
The book, which meets a distinct want
in class and club work, has already been
of prominent educators 1t is issued by the
Inland Publishing Company. of Terre
Haute, and is geographically attractive.
Price, 81.