Quote:
Originally Posted by fantasyfan
Leavis was one who noted the fact that there were in effect two books. He also felt that Gwedolyn was possibly the greatest character Eliot created.
However he also felt that the novel as a whole was a failure--mainly because of the Deronda section.
Elsewhere, in an essay, “Gwendolen Harleth” he said “. . . my purpose . . . is to establish . . . that there is a major classic, which may suitably called ‘Gwendolen Harleth,’ hidden from the general recognition it deserves in the voluminous mixed work that George Eliot published--a classic that it is incumbent on us to reclaim for English literature.”
From The Critic As Anti-Philosopher 1982 pp. 65-75
Leavis seems to feel that it might be a good idea to simply eliminate the Deronda section and keep the Gwendolen portion as a separate narrative.
Not everyone agrees.
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This is certain to be a discussion point once the thread is launched! I'm quite enjoying the Gwendolen character.