Abstract
While the writer is the central figure in the literary community and fully contained by it through the endogamy with the Muse, the literary critic is more of a hybrid with one foot in each camp. The writer’s intimacy must be fully devoted to the artistic, whereas the critic is allowed both social marriage and the pursuit of literature. The degree of his literary competence distinguishes him from the public at large and defines his membership of the circle of initiates who share the values of aesthetic quality with the writer. His borderline position qualifies him for the task of mediator between the two communities, in his role as reviewer, editor or journalist.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Copyright information
© 1980 Susanne Kappeler
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Kappeler, S. (1980). The literary community in the context of society. In: Writing and Reading in Henry James. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-05510-4_8
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-05510-4_8
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-349-05512-8
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-05510-4
eBook Packages: Palgrave Literature & Performing Arts CollectionLiterature, Cultural and Media Studies (R0)