Post by maudelynn on Mar 21, 2008 12:14:53 GMT -5
in several other particulars, liable to produce mischievous effects. Such compositions are, to most persons, extremely engaging. That story must be singularly barren, or wretchedly told, of which, after having heard the beginning, we desire not to know the end. To the pleasure of learning the ultimate fortune of the heroes and heroines of the tale, the novel commonly adds, in a greater or in a less degree, that which arises from the animated description, from the lively dialogue, or from interesting sentiment. Hence the perusal of one publication of this class leads, with much more frequency than is the case in respects to works of other kinds, (except perhaps of dramatic writings, to which most present remarks may be transfered) to the speedy perusal of another. Thus a habit is formed, at first of limited indulgence, but that is continually found more formidable and more encroaching. The appetite becomes too keen to be denied; and in proportion as it is more urgent, grows less nice and select in it's fare. What would have formerly given offence, now gives none. The palate it vitiated, or made dull. The produce of the bookclub, and the contents of the circulating library are devoured with indiscriminate and insatiable avidity. Hence the mind is secretly corrupt.
An excerpt copied from The Female Instructior, 1811 on the Employment of time
I copied it over here as I thought it might be fun for all of you to read
An excerpt copied from The Female Instructior, 1811 on the Employment of time
I copied it over here as I thought it might be fun for all of you to read
