A novel is in its broadest definition a personal, a direct impression of life.
Context: From "Mr. Walter Besant's Novels." Henry James emphasizes that the novel is a subjective interpretation, arising from the author's unique experience and vision, rather than a formulaic adherence to rules.
Criticism, in its highest form, is a geniality, a generosity, a curiosity, a sympathy, an intelligence, a free play of the mind, a living interest in living things.
Context: From "The Science of Criticism." James defines true criticism as a generous, engaged intellectual endeavor, deeply connected to life, in contrast to a detached, overly scientific approach.
The novelist is a painter; and to make one's work *hang together* is a business of the composition of lines and colors.
Context: From the titular essay "Picture and Text." Henry James uses visual art as a metaphor to describe the compositional challenges across various literary forms, emphasizing the need for unity and coherence.
He (Flaubert) carried the sense of the thing to be done to a pitch that makes a kind of religion of it.
Context: From the essay "Gustave Flaubert." James praises Flaubert's extraordinary dedication to artistic craft and perfection, elevating his commitment to almost a spiritual level.
He (Ibsen) has taught us to be interested in the common, in the usual, in the ugly.
Context: From the essay "Henrik Ibsen." Henry James comments on Ibsen's groundbreaking approach to drama, which brought everyday, often unheroic or problematic aspects of life into the forefront of theatrical representation.
The critic is simply a reader like any other; he is one who has the happy faculty of making what he has read interesting to others.
Context: From "The Science of Criticism." James demystifies the role of the critic, portraying them not as an authority figure but as an articulate and engaging reader who can share insights effectively.
There is no impression of life, no experience, no subject, that does not come within the province of the novel.
Context: From "Mr. Walter Besant's Novels." This quote asserts the boundless scope of the novel, arguing that any aspect of human experience is legitimate material for the novelist.
He (Maupassant) saw life in compartments, and saw it with an extraordinary sense of its superficies.
Context: From "Guy de Maupassant." James critiques Maupassant's realistic style as brilliant in its observation of surface details and distinct segments of life, but perhaps lacking a deeper synthesizing vision.
We catch a glimpse in him (Browning) of a magnificent intellectual adventure, of a splendid, a sometimes almost reckless, poetic faith.
Context: From "Browning in Westminster Abbey." Henry James reflects on Robert Browning's unique and adventurous poetic genius, praising his intellectual daring and profound faith in his artistic vision.
The great fact about Mr. Howells is that he has been true to himself, that he has seen American life in his own way.
Context: From "William Dean Howells." Henry James celebrates William Dean Howells's unique and authentic representation of American life, commending his fidelity to his personal artistic vision.