Modern Fiction

"Modern Fiction" by Charles Dudley Warner is a critical examination of contemporary literature, written during the late 19th century. This work falls within the realm of literary criticism and addresses the evolving characteristics and themes of modern novels, particularly focusing on the balance between realism and artistic idealization. Warner explores how fiction should elevate and transform reality rather than merely replicate it, emphasizing the necessity of artistic treatment in storytelling. In this book, Warner argues against what he perceives as a detrimental trend in modern fiction, where authors strive for a photographic fidelity to nature at the expense of artistic merit. He critiques the realism that dominates literature of his time for its tendency to present unidealized and often sordid depictions of life, which he believes devalues the complexity and beauty of storytelling. Throughout the text, he draws on historical examples from authors like Cervantes and Scott to illustrate the need for balance between different social classes in literature while stressing the importance of elevating the narrative through idealization. Warner concludes that the essence of a successful novel lies in its ability to entertain while also offering a compassionate and idealized view of human experience, ultimately serving as a corrective to the darker realities of society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Dudley Warner was an American essayist, novelist, and friend of Mark Twain, with whom he co-authored the novel The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today.