| | 1 | Author: | Wharton review: Marsh, Edward Clark | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Mrs. Wharton's "The Fruit of the Tree"
In: Seven Books of the Month.  | | | | Published: | 1996 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | | | | Description: | It is one of the penalties of so striking a success as Mrs.
Wharton achieved in The House of Mirth that for a long time
to come all her work must endure the comparative judgment. The
first question asked concerning The Fruit of the Tree will
pertain neither to its proper merits nor its formal classification.
"Is it as good as The House of Mirth?"—that is the query
that must be met at the outset, unless it is anticipated by the no
less pressing interrogation, "Will it be as popular as The House
of Mirth?" The implied distinction must be maintained. Those
shallow-pated readers who identify merit with popularity are not to
be found in the intellectual circles to which Mrs. Wharton
ministers. Rather is her most numerous following among those who
forgive the popularity for the sake of the merit. But since the
dual question is sure to be propounded, and the dilemma cannot be
avoided by even the humblest commentator, I may at once lay a
reckless hand on either horn by hazarding the opinion that
The Fruit of the Tree, though a better book
than its predecessor, is not likely to provoke an equal amount of
that heated and emotional public discussion which is the true sign
of popularity. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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