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and the Press; the English as a nation. Lack of complementary reconstruction 179


Chapter III

TYPES

Impossibility of maintaining fixed classes. Unity and emphasis secured
by artificial devices. Several human traits temptingly vulnerable, though
all some form of deceit. Hypocrisy the specialty of Dickens, Folly, of
Dickens and Meredith, Snobbishness, of Thackeray, Sentimentality and
Egoism, of Meredith. Scattered fire against vulgarity, fanaticism, and
other targets. Combination and interplay of traits in one character exemplified
by Trollope's Lady Carbury 229


PART IV

CONCLUSIONS


Chapter I

RELATIONSHIPS

The various novelists compared as to respective quality, quantity, and
range of satirical element. Discussion of the merging of satire into cynicism,
tragedy, and idealism on the critical side, and into comedy, wit, and
philosophic humor, on the humorous. Relation to intellect and emotion
Relative ranking of satirists influenced by these considerations 269


Chapter II

THE VICTORIAN CONTRIBUTION

The cumulative inheritance. Recent change in form from heroic couplet
to prose fiction. Progressive change in substance from hypocritical to
sentimental side of deceit. Seen in institutions as well as in types of character.
Science and democracy the most influential factors. Scientific
search for causes of failure. Democratic sense of social responsibility. Satire
directed against self-deceived inefficiency mistaken for success. Satiric
method concentrated on exposure of motives. Satiric manner less assertive
and more casual and urbane. Recognition of the paradox in ridicule.
Reduction of it to minor rôle, though staged with more finesse and effectiveness.
Stress shifted from the critical element to the ironically humorous 288

Bibliographical note 317

Index 329