A Mortal Antipathy

"A Mortal Antipathy" by Oliver Wendell Holmes is a novel that likely originated in the late 19th century. The narrative explores the peculiar phenomenon of personal antipathy, particularly as it relates to the psychological and physiological responses of its characters. The main characters hinted at in the opening portion include Lurida Vincent, a brilliant but physically uninspired advocate for women's rights, and Euthymia Tower, a physically adept and exceptionally talented young woman leading a crew in a rowing competition. The opening of the book sets the stage for this exploration by discussing the interesting atmosphere of Arrowhead Village, where various characters are introduced, including curious villagers and the enigmatic Maurice Kirkwood, who is known for his reclusive nature and a mysterious “antipathy.” The narrator prepares the reader for a tale that challenges their beliefs, touching upon curious themes of strong character contrasts, gender discussions, and an intriguing boat race between the male and female rowing crews of local institutions which serves as a backdrop for personal drama and societal commentary. Thus, the early chapters establish both setting and character dynamics, hinting at deeper explorations of identity, societal norms, and interpersonal relationships throughout the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr. was an American physician, poet, and polymath based in Boston. Grouped among the fireside poets, he was acclaimed by his peers as one of the best writers of the day. His most famous prose works are the "Breakfast-Table" series, which began with The Autocrat of the Breakfast-Table (1858). He was also an important medical reformer. In addition to his work as an author and poet, Holmes also served as a physician, professor, lecturer, inventor, and, although he never practiced it, he received formal training in law.