Welcome Readers,
THE PRINCIPLE OF SINCERITY
William Henry Hudson
Introduction
In Hudson's words, "The Principle of Sincerity" in literature is a fundamental concept that emphasizes the importance of genuine and authentic expression.
1. Foundation of Good Literature:
- The principle of sincerity, first enunciated by Plato, is crucial for creating lasting and meaningful literature.
- It involves being entirely sincere to oneself, one's experiences, and the truth as one perceives it.
2. Historical Perspective:
- For Carlyle, sincerity was the essence of all heroic greatness.
- Alfred de Musset emphasized living one's truth, highlighting the importance of authenticity in personal experiences.
3. Authenticity in Literature:
- George Henry Lewes stated that the value of literary work is determined by its authenticity.
- Readers expect writers to give their best, which means offering genuine, original insights rather than imitating others.
4. Impact on Readers:
- Literature that is frank and sincere tends to be more compelling and memorable.
- Writers who lack candor and directness are often overlooked, regardless of their natural talent or cultural knowledge.
5. Sign of Literary Decline:
- A preference for insincere, inauthentic work is a sign of literary decadence in an individual or an age.
- Without sincerity, vital and impactful literary work is impossible.
6. Ruskin's View on Originality:
- John Ruskin asserted that true originality in literature is not about novelty but about genuineness.
7. Example of Alton Locke:
- Alton Locke's initial attempt at writing about the South Seas, an experience he did not have, was criticized by his mentor, Sandye Mackaye.
- Mackaye encouraged him to write about the real-life struggles and tragedies he witnessed in London, emphasizing the importance of writing from one's own experiences.
8. Guideline for Aspiring Writers:
- Writers should focus on reporting faithfully what they have lived, seen, thought, felt, and known personally.
- Despite the temptation to emulate clever and brilliant works, the true value of literature lies in its authenticity.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Hudson concludes that the value of literature is directly proportional to its authenticity, and aspiring writers should focus on reporting faithfully from their own lived experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
Reference:
Hudson, William Henry. An introduction to the study of literature. Harrap, 1919.
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