The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-28
NOVELS AND NOYELIsTs.

1t is not likely that any large number of
people would to-day take an interest in a
debate on the question of the harmfulness
or ~helpfulness of novel reading. There may
be here and there a few old-fashioned peo-
pie who still hold TO the idea that novel
reading is sinful. but they are few and
their voice is not heard in the land. Mature
people who have time To spare and seek
diversion may read novels without harm
TO themselves. unless they are so consti-
tuted intellectually that they read only
tales which are morbid or vicious. It is.
after all, not a question of morals so much
as a question of taste. The recent enor-
nous production OF novels in England and
the United States indicates a growing de-
mand for fiction, which, of course. the pub
fishers encourage; but the great sales which
are now so often announced in so many
startling figures carry convincing testimony
that novel-reading has descended to a plane
somewhat different from that which it for
merly occupied. There used to be people
\ and some OF them brought up their children
so well that there may still be a few with
similar tastes in later generations-who
know Scott and Jane Austen and Thack-
cray with the intimate knowledge which
comes only from long and familiar &C
quaintance with a few books. But now
adays who can know any author well?
Who rereads to-day one OF the novels of
two or three years ago? They are all gone
like the SHOWS of yesteryear! Does any
one go back to "Trilby'' or John Ward.
Preacher" or 'MarceIla?" And the same
question may be asked next year of the
novels which are to-day advertised in large
letters and with amazing statistics as to
the number and size of editions.
The fact is that the novel has lost its
literary relation in large measure. 1t is
now an article OF commerce, like a box of
candy or a theater ticket. 1t is a thing
from which the reader takes a temporary
pleasure. which he cannot repeat without
a fresh Investment. In prosperous times
the theaters feel markedly the easy con-
ditions. and more people patronize them.
In these periods people may in like manner
crafty their tastes for other and similar
luxuries. and the book manufacturer shares
the prosperity of the candy-maker and the
actor. A novel of to-day, once read. is like
the coupon Of a theater ticket or an empty
candy box. II is therefore superhuous 10
take UP most OF the novels of the day with
particular inquiry as to their literary quail
Dity. Most OF them are not. by true stand
ards. worthy TO be called literature. MANY
OF them are purely initiative. with shabby
old scenes and properties but thinlv re-
painted Anthony Hope. in particular. has
been followed by numerous and shameless
imitators- The inventor OF the castle of
Zenda with it's toy moat and tin soldiers
must be both Disguised and amused n see
how many scribblers are working over,
his stories. Tennyson hit of the situation
in his parable;
Most can raise the flowers now.
For all have got the seed"
Surely Anthony Hope has a large granary
and the seeds thereof have been scattered
TO the four winds. Stevenson and Weymaa.
too. have. To change the smile. left their
arsenals open and find the awkward SQUAD
practicing Justify with the weapons which
II took them many a day TO learn 10 use.
When this romantic fever has passed
and story writer's are willing 10 take time
10 write freshly and truly. the matter
OF making a record or contemporary con-
ditions and manners will no doubt engage
their time once more. There has lately
been a disposition among Ight-hearted
critics. who have been carried away by the
astounding sale Of some tale OF an imagin-
airy principaiity In oman's Land. 10 treat
Dir. Howells with contempt, but the fact
Is hat Mr.. Howells is the one American
novelist Of literary experience and skin. and
with true nsish and analytical power who