How many writers, 150 years after their deaths, will be remembered by even a handful of literary scholars? Not many. But from a writer's perspective, this is no reason for despair. Even U.S. presidents, a century or so after their deaths, are forgotten. Take Chester A. Arthur, our 21st president who served from 1851 to 1855. Who remembers him? No one. This is true of writers. Only a few American writers of President Arthur's era are known today, and only by students of American literature. These writers include Melvin Melville, Henry David Thoreau, Walt Whitman, Louisa May Alcott, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Nathaniel Hawthorne and Oliver Wendell Holmes. The rest are forgotten.
So, a lot of U.S. president are forgotten just like most writers. And that is how it should be. Mediocrity is something that should not be remembered and celebrated.
Very true, and it's a reality that should teach us all humility - but doesn't! Who know remembers Maria Corelli or Paul de Koch - two immensely popular literary figures of their times? Happy Xmas, Jim, and thanks for your great blog!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, and thanks for your readership and interesting comments.
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