Literature and Life (Complete)

"Literature and Life (Complete)" by William Dean Howells is a collection of essays and sketches written in the late 19th century. The work reflects on the interplay between literature and the human experience, exploring themes such as the artist's struggle, the dynamics of literary business, and the cultural context of American literature. Howells' style is introspective and analytical, blending his observations and critiques of literary practices with a broader contemplation of life itself. The opening of the work presents Howells' defense of the author as both a figure of art and business, emphasizing the conflict between the artistic integrity and the commercial aspects of writing. He expresses an intrinsic connection he feels between literature and life, arguing that true literature must reflect the richness of human experience. The essay introduces varying perspectives on the writer's role in society, their financial struggles, and the superficiality that can often accompany the pursuit of literary success. Howells sets the stage for deeper explorations of these themes in subsequent essays, suggesting a rich interplay between creative expression and the economic demands of the author’s life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters". He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, and the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day," which was adapted into a 1996 film of the same name.