William Howells
William Howells
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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William Dean Howells was an American novelist, playwright, critic, and literary exponent. He is also known by his common alias, W.D. Howells.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: March 1, 1837, in Martins Ferry, Ohio
Died: May 11, 1920, in New York City
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Professions: Novelist, Playwright, Critic, Literary Exponent
Early Life and Background
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William Dean Howells was born on March 1, 1837, in Martins Ferry, Ohio. He came from a family of modest means but showed early promise as a writer. His father, William Cooper Howells, was a newspaper editor and politician who encouraged his son's literary pursuits.
Howells grew up surrounded by the beauty of the Ohio River Valley, which would later influence his writing. He attended Oberlin College in Ohio and went on to study law at Harvard University. However, he soon abandoned law for literature and began working as an editor at various newspapers and magazines.
Major Accomplishments
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Howells' literary career spanned over six decades and included many notable accomplishments:
Novelist: He is best known for his novels of manners, which explored the lives of ordinary Americans. His most famous works include "The Rise of Silas Lapham," "The Lady of the Aroostook," and "A Modern Instance."
Playwright: Howells wrote several plays, including "The Outcry" and "The Judge."
Critic: He was a prominent literary critic and served as editor for various publications. His reviews often praised the works of his contemporaries, such as Mark Twain and Edith Wharton.
Literary Exponent: Howells was an advocate for American literature and helped promote it abroad. He believed in the importance of realism and local color in writing.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Howells' notable works include:
"The Rise of Silas Lapham" (1885): A novel that explores the rise and fall of a self-made man in Boston.
"A Modern Instance" (1882): A novel that examines the consequences of divorce on a family.
* "The Lady of the Aroostook" (1879): A novel that satirizes American society through the eyes of an English visitor.
Impact and Legacy
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Howells' impact on American literature is undeniable. He helped establish realism as a major literary movement in the United States, paving the way for writers like Mark Twain and Edith Wharton. His novels offered a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Americans, making him one of the first American novelists to focus on everyday people.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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William Howells is widely quoted and remembered for his insightful writings on literature, society, and politics. He was an advocate for realism in writing and a champion of American literature. His novels continue to be studied and enjoyed today, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary Americans during the late 19th century.
As one of the most prominent literary figures of his time, Howells' legacy extends beyond his own writings. He helped shape the course of American literature and paved the way for future generations of writers.
Quotes by William Howells
I know, indeed, of nothing more subtle satisfying and cheering than a knowledge of the real good will and appreciation of others. Such happiness does not come with money, nor does it flow from a fine physical state. It cannot be bought. But it is the keenest joy, after all; and the toiler's truest and best reward.
In Europe life is histrionic and dramatized, and . . . in America, except when it is trying to be European, it is direct and sincere.
They are rather helplessly frank, but not, I hope, with all their rather helpless frankness, offensively frank.
Now I know that so long as we have social inequality we shall have snobs; we shall have men who bully and truckle, and women who snub and crawl. I know that it is futile to, spurn them, or lash them for trying to get on in the world, and that the world is what it must be from the selfish motives which underlie our economic life.
We live, but a world has passed away With the years that perished to make us men.
Her mouth is a honey-blossom, No doubt, as the poet sings; But within her lips, the petals, Lurks a cruel bee that stings.