Inquiries and Opinions

"Inquiries and Opinions" by Brander Matthews is a collection of literary essays and critiques written in the early 20th century. This work offers insights into the state of literature and its evolution at the dawn of a new century, analyzing the interplay of artistic expression and societal change. Matthews engages with themes such as democracy, scientific progress, and the role of literature in understanding life's complexities. The opening of the work sets the stage for an exploration of these themes, focusing initially on the difficulties of surveying literature's future and the importance of recognizing its historical context. Matthews reflects on the legacies of the 19th century, emphasizing how the advancements in scientific thought, the spread of democracy, and the rise of national identities inform contemporary literature. He suggests that literature, as a reflection of life, must address the dynamic forces shaping society, laying the groundwork for a broader discussion of literary merit and the challenges faced by authors and critics alike. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

James Brander Matthews was an American academic, writer and literary critic. He was the first full-time professor of dramatic literature at Columbia University in New York and played a significant role in establishing theater as a subject worthy of formal study by academics. His interests ranged from Shakespeare, Molière, and Ibsen to French boulevard comedies, folk theater, and the new realism of his own time.