Balance Quote by Rebecca West
“Mr. Arnold Bennett feels he has ranked himself for ever as a dry wine by what he mixed with himself of Maupassant; nevertheless he has put on the market some grocer's Sauterne in the form of several novels that are highly sentimental so far as their fundamental balance of values is concerned.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Literary criticism, Rebecca West, 1935
Arnold Bennett’s work is sentimental and lacks balance, contrasting with Maupassant’s style, yet still appeals commercially.
In simple terms: Bennett’s novels are sentimental.
Key Takeaway
Recognize sentimentality in popular literature.
Themes
literature
sentimentality
commercial appeal
Mood
reflective
observational
Type
literary
critical
When to use this quote
- book clubs
- publishing
- literary studies
Key Concepts
critical analysis
author comparison
Questions to Reflect On
- What makes sentimental works popular?
- How does commercial success affect literary value?
A Different Perspective
Sentiment can dilute artistic depth.
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