The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1903-09-03
UNCONSCIOUS CRITICISM


| vorable, and everybody except Miss
I CloYerlee's enemies was beginning to
think that she had done something re-
markable for young girl tin the Ana,
lytical Review spoke Of the story as
zone Of those novels written BY a mem
Der Of the smart set whose experiences
IN love affairs are limited 10 the affec-
lions Of schoolboys and Schoolgirls
This criticism, OF course. fell very
heavily on the young author
One evening at a social gathering
Redwood Eggleston was introduced to
Miss Cloyerlee. The topic Of conversa-
ton fell upon literature.
what kind OF stories DO you pre-
fer?" she asked.
"All kinds that are good stories
DO your preferences usually coincide
with those Of the public2s
Sometimes. Not often. / believe,
however that when the better classes
accept story there must be some
thing in it, and often try to discover
what that something is"
do you sueceedfv
Usually, 50 far as | can Judge Of
shat have no proof"
There were a frankness and common
sense about these statements that were
very pleasing to Miss CIoverlee. She
became much impressed with the idea
that Mr.. Egglestons opinion Of a book
would be valuable. She would have
been delighted to have his views with
regard to her novel but was too mod
est as well as too wen bred to ask
them. Whether Mr.. Eggleston did not
know that she was the author Of
"AdrlenneR or had not read it, he did
net mention it. After both had passed
one Of those delightful evenings that
occur from meeting a congenial com
panlon Eggleston, having asked per-
mission to call, took his, departure.
who Is that gentleman just going
out Of the door?7 asked Miss cloyerlee
Of friend
''Afr. Eggleston. He's on the STAFF Of
the Analytical Review. lie writes the
eatlcisms."
Miss e.loverlee's heart sank. Now
for the frst time she began to feel that
her novel was really without value.
Mr. Eggleston called. He was still
ignorant Of the fact that Miss Clover
Zee was the author Of 4 book he had
stabbed with the merciless point Of
pen. Miss Cloverlee bore him no mall
ice. Indeed, she regarded his nncon-
scious criticism Of great value How
ever, she was not disposed to give up
her advantage over her critic.
"What is your opinion was one Of
her first questions, of the literary crit
icisms that appear IN the periodicals.
rot replied Mr.. Eggleston,
Miss Cloverlee was taken, as sail
or would say "tiat aback" Then she
remembered that one Of such a profess
sion might protect himself against dis
putes with authors by just such a
statement.
sfWhy do you think soT' she asked.
"Thats rather a difficult question to
answer; it involves SO much. But
viii say, first. that different books ap-
peal to different people the critics as
wen as the laity; secondly, the critics
are SO loaded down with work that an
author cannot be sure that his individ-
ual book VIII receive proper attention.
These two statements are simply heads
upon which / could write pages
You seem familiar with the sub
iect"
z should be; / write criticisms"
.Have you ever written a criticism
on novel called Adrienne by" She
pretended to have forgotten the name
II can't help you to the anther.
don't remember that. since l have 50
many books to criticise. but remember
the story very well. The style was de-
iightful the ideas fresh. depth Of
feeling"
Miss Cloverlee burst out laughing.
Her companion looked disconnected
'sMr. Eggleston,n she said, when she
/ had controlled her mirth. lin your crit
icism Of this book in the Analytical
Review you referred to the authors
love experiences as attachments be
tween schoolbow and schoolgirls. /
happened to read It."
Miss Cloverlee," he said after
pause. my explanation must be conf
Dental"
Certainly"
"The Analytical Review has liter
airy policy. am instructed to con-
denim everything Once I'd awhile the
editor hands me a dry as dust novel
IN which the characters are supposed
to work out certain philosophic princi-
pies that exist only in the authors be-
clouded brain Having taken brief
course of philosophy In Germany, I
am enabled to discuss the book with
apparent wisdom. The criticism pleases
those people who admire a depth they
haven't themselves and sells the Re-
view, while the condemnation of all
other productions fixes its high literary
standard. Mr.. EggIeston paused, then
added, ''Afy excuse IS that | am carry
Ing out the orders Of others
Miss Cloverlee poudered for awhile
in silence. Mr.. Eggieston proceeded:
II do not intend to remain long in
position where am obliged TO carry
out a policy which / contemn. am
temporarily using my salary for sup
port while studying my profession, the
I Iax.4 D