Fennel and Rue
📘 About This Book
lie had been trying a long time to get his vorlr into the best magazines, and d e n he had won the favor of the editors, whose interest he had perhaps had from the beginning, it might be said that they began to accept his - rr ork from their consciences, because in its way it was so good that they could not j s t lreyf use it. The particular editor who took STerrians serial, after it llad conie back to the author from ths editors of the other leading periodicals, was in fact moved mainly by the belief that the story vould please the better sort of l i sre aders. These, if they mere not so numerous as the worse, he felt had now and then the right to haw their pleasure studied. It was a serious story, and it was some vhat bitter, as Tcrrinn himself was, after his struggle to reach the public with work which he knew merited recognition. But the m orld which does not like people to take them selves too seriously also likes them to take themselves seriously, and the bitterness in Trerrians story proved agreeable to a number of readers unexpectedly great. It intimated a romantic personality in the author, and the world still likes to imagine romantic things of all thors. It Iikcs especially to imagine them of novelists, now that there are no longer poets and when it began to like Verrians serial, it began to write him all sorts of letters, directly, in care of the editor, and indirectly to the editor, whom they asked about Verrian more than about his story. It mae a mans story rather tban a momans story, as these may be distinguished but quite for that reason women seemed pec-uliarly taken with it. Perhapa the women had more leisure or morc courage to write to the author and the editor at anyrate, moat of the letters were from women some of the letters were silly and fatuous enough, but others mere of an intelligence which was none the less penetrating for being emotional rather than critical. These maids or matrons, whoever or whichever they were, knew monderfuIly me11 what the author would be at, ind their interest in his story im plied a constant if not. a single devotion...
📖 Summary
Fennel and Rue by William Dean Howells offers readers a focused and psychologically astute exploration into the struggles of literary ambition, personal bitterness, and the complex relationship between creators and the arbiters of public taste. Clocking in at a concise 112 pages, the book dives deep into the trials of its protagonist, Verrian, an author who has spent a significant duration of time attempting to secure a place for his work within the pages of the premier magazines of the era. The narrative captures the arduous journey of artistic persistence, highlighting the grueling process of rejection and the eventual, hard-won victory of gaining editorial approval. Howells paints a vivid picture of the literary landscape, noting that when Verrian finally wins over the editors, it feels less like an enthusiastic embrace and more like a concession driven by conscience. His work is undeniably of such high quality that the gatekeepers find themselves unable to justify a refusal. The book highlights the perspective of a specific editor who ultimately takes on Verrian's serial. This decision is fueled by the belief that the story will resonate with the more discerning class of readers. This segment of the audience, though smaller in number than the broader public, is viewed as deserving of having their literary preferences catered to amidst a sea of mass-market entertainment. The resulting story is described as both serious and somewhat bitter, reflecting the personality and emotional state of Verrian himself. Having endured a grueling, uphill battle to finally reach the public eye, Verrian carries the scars of his struggle, infusing his creative output with a distinct edge. Fennel and Rue examines the psychological toll of artistic striving, the nuances of editorial politics, and the bittersweet nature of achieving recognition on one's own uncompromising terms. Through its sharp observations and tight narrative scope, the book captures the essence of a writer hardened by the publishing world yet fiercely dedicated to his craft.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Offers a realistic portrayal of the literary publishing world
Deeply explores the psychology of a struggling artist
Concise and focused narrative length
Appeals to discerning readers of serious fiction
⚠️ Cons
The tone may feel overly bitter or serious for some readers
Short page count leaves less room for expansive plot development
✍️ About the Author
❓ FAQ
Who is the author of Fennel and Rue? +
The author is William Dean Howells.
How many pages is the book? +
The book is 112 pages long.
What is the tone of the story? +
The story is serious and somewhat bitter.
Why do the editors finally accept Verrian's work? +
They accept it out of conscience because the work is too good to refuse.
Who is the intended audience for Verrian's serial? +
It is intended for the better sort of readers who appreciate serious literature.
