Literature And Life

Literature and Life by William Dean Howells is a collection of essays that explores the relationship between literature and everyday life. The book is divided into three parts: The Man of Letters in the World The Man of Letters in Business and The Romance of the Commonplace. In the first section Howells argues that literature should reflect the society it is created in and that writers should not isolate themselves from the world. In the second section he discusses the role of literature in business and how it can be used to promote ethical practices. Finally in the third section he celebrates the beauty and richness of everyday life arguing that there is no need to resort to fantastical or unrealistic stories in order to find romance. Throughout the book Howells advocates for a literature that is grounded in reality and that speaks to the experiences of ordinary people. He is critical of writers who prioritize style over substance and he encourages his readers to engage with the world around them in order to create meaningful and authentic works of literature.