Brander Matthews Criticism
Brander Matthews (1852-1929), often writing under pseudonyms Arthur Penn and Hallitt Robinson, was a prominent American critic, essayist, short story writer, and novelist. Renowned for his influence on late 19th and early 20th-century literary criticism, Matthews's prominence waned as he was increasingly seen as an academic relic amidst the rise of modernism. As noted by Augustine Birrell, Matthews's attempts to divide American and British literature faced criticism for his nationalistic views.
Born in New Orleans but raised in New York, Matthews's early pursuit of wealth shifted to a literary vocation following his family's financial downturn. His prolific output spanned various literary forms, including plays, essays, and fiction. Matthews was a key figure in advancing the study of American Literature as a distinct field and held influential positions, such as professor of drama at Columbia University. His friendships with figures like Theodore Roosevelt and William Dean Howells, as explored by Lawrence J. Oliver, featured prominently in his career.
Matthews's critical works focused on the genres, structure, and themes of literature. His early works, such as The Theaters of Paris and French Dramatists of the Nineteenth Century, solidified his status as a theater scholar. Despite criticism from contemporaries, his explorations of Realism in novels like His Father's Son and collections like Vignettes of Manhattan demonstrated his nuanced understanding of New York's social and economic landscape.
Although Matthews's fiction did not achieve popular success, his critical contributions were celebrated, earning him academia's respect and public recognition. As W.P. Trent argues, Matthews's critical achievements should not be overshadowed by his broader accomplishments. Matthews's legacy is a testament to his dedication to literature, as reflected in his advocacy for copyright reforms documented by Robert Colby and his influential essays on genre theory, such as "The Philosophy of the Short-Story". Despite facing criticism from the new generation, Matthews's contributions remain integral to the understanding of American literary history.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Essays
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Americanisms and Briticisms
(summary)
In the following essay, Augustine Birrell criticizes Brander Matthews for proposing a nationalistic divide in literature, arguing against Matthews's advocacy for separating American and British literary consumption and highlighting the universal, borderless nature of literary enjoyment and cultural exchange.
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Mr. Brander Matthews as a Critic
(summary)
In the following appreciation, Trent argues that Matthews's other impressive achievements ought not be permitted to eclipse his reputation as a major critic.
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The Philosophy of the Short-Story
(summary)
In the following essay, Matthews spells out the difference between the novel and the short story and defines the short story as a specific genre.
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Brander Matthews as a Dramatic Critic
(summary)
In the following essay, Trent rejoices that Matthews's dramatic criticism is being collected for publication in book form and extols his merits as a critic.
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A Cosmopolitan Critic
(summary)
In the following review of Inquiries and Opinions, Phelps offers some minor reservations about Matthews's literary judgments, but, on the whole, enthusiastically endorses them.
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The Literary Spotlight
(summary)
In the following essay, the critic depicts Matthews as a literary dilettante mired in the past and of little contemporary importance.
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Brander Matthews and the Mohawks
(summary)
In the following essay, Sherman contrasts what he sees as the mean-spiritedness of the attacks upon Matthews by the new generation of writers and the sweetness of his response.
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Dramatic Art and Craft
(summary)
In the following review Milne addresses the criticism of George Jean Nathan and Matthews, dismissing the ideas of the former.
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Brander Matthews
(summary)
In the following tribute, Butler, president of Columbia University from 1902 to 1945, commemorates his departed friend and colleague with deep and affectionate praise.
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Brander Matthews: Critic of the Theatre
(summary)
In the following essay, Bender provides an appreciative overview of Matthews's involvement with the theater as playwright, theoretician, critic and teacher.
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The Tutelage of a Young American: Brander Matthews in Europe, 1866
(summary)
In the following essay, referring to a travel diary Matthews kept when he was fourteen, Kleinfield examines the boy's impressions of and responses to a European excursion.
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Brander Matthew's Re-visioning of Crane's Maggie
(summary)
In this essay, Oliver contrasts Matthews' version of Realism with Stephen Crane's by comparing Matthews' short story 'Before the Break of Day' with Crane's short novel, Maggie: A Girl of the Streets.
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Theodore Roosevelt, Brander Matthews, and the Campaign for Literary Americanism
(summary)
In the following essay, Oliver explores Matthews's long friendship with Theodore Roosevelt and the influence of the relationship on his fiction and nonfiction.
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Brander Matthews and the Dean
(summary)
In the following essay, Oliver examines the forty-year literary relationship between Matthews and William Dean Howells.
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Quill and Olive Branch: Walter Besant Corresponds with Brander Matthews
(summary)
In the following essay, Colby documents the collaboration between Matthews and Walter Besant, founder of the British Society of Authors, as they attempted to secure transatlantic copyright protections for British and American writers and to make the work of American writers familiar in England.
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Ideological "Snap-Shots" of the New York Metropolis: Matthews's Fiction
(summary)
In the following essay, Lawrence J. Oliver examines Brander Matthews's novels, highlighting how Matthews's attitudes towards race, class, and gender informed his exploration of Realism, ultimately depicting his progression from producing romantic, melodramatic fiction to achieving acclaim for his realist portrayal of Wall Street in His Father's Son.
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Americanisms and Briticisms
(summary)
- Further Reading
Criticism by Brander Matthews
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The Development of the French Drama
Jean Racine Criticism
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Theodore Roosevelt as a Man of Letters
Theodore Roosevelt Criticism
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Criticism: Overviews
The Emergence of the Short Story in the Nineteenth Century Criticism
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American Fiction Again
Hamlin Garland Criticism
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The Historical Novel
Nineteenth-Century Historical Fiction Criticism
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The Philosophy of the Short-story
Anthony Trollope Criticism
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The Philosophy of the Short-Story
Brander Matthews Criticism
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The Literary Spotlight
Brander Matthews Criticism
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Two Latter-Day Lyristis: II. Mr. Austin Dobson
Austin Dobson Criticism