V. V.'s Eyes

"V. V.'s Eyes" by Henry Sydnor Harrison is a novel written in the early 20th century. It seems to explore the lives of the upper and lower classes within a city, specifically focusing on the contrasting experiences of the affluent Heth family and the less fortunate V. Vivian, M.D. The book opens with themes of social class distinctions and personal aspirations, hinting at potential conflicts and the search for meaning in the midst of societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces us to V. Vivian, a doctor residing in a rundown part of the city, who is passionate about social reform and is critical of the wealthy, including the Heth family. V. Vivian's fervor becomes apparent when he discusses factory conditions and the neglect of the working class. Meanwhile, the narrative also shifts to the Heth household, particularly to young Carlisle Heth, who is presented as eager yet constrained by her mother's strong influence. As she navigates her own desires and societal pressures, a significant incident occurs when Carlisle is confronted by Jack Dalhousie while sailing, leading to an awkward and potentially scandalous situation that can have repercussions for her reputation. The intertwining lives of these characters set the stage for exploring themes of love, ambition, and the societal norms that bind them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry Sydnor Harrison (1880–1930) was an American novelist, born in Sewanee, Tenn. He graduated from Columbia in 1900, and received an honorary A.M. from the same university in 1913. In 1914, he was elected a member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters. He wrote under the pen name "Henry Second," and made contributions to The Atlantic Monthly and other magazines. Novels written by him include Queed (1911) and V.V.'s Eyes (1913), which were very well received. Other works include Angela's Business (1915), When I Come Back (1919), Saint Teresa (1922), and Marriage (1923), a volume of short stories. Harrison also wrote a story, called "Miss Hinch", where a daring criminal and the lady after her make their way through New York City streets at midnight.