“A small scrap of weedy carpet lay in front of the fireplace.”
I really like that adjective, weedy, here. Gissing doesn’t often apply pressure to his language, but when he does it, it really works well.
“He ate his bread and dripping with knife and fork; this always made the fare seem more substantial.”
A superb sentence—only people who have experienced hunger can write this sentence.
This is one of my favorite chapters so far, with everything in it: two different kinds of writing adjacent business vividly revealed; romantic and professional dramas and disappointments.
Join us on December 13 for a virtual discussion of New Grub Street with Yiyun Li.
"'Now if this isn't too bad!' he exclaimed in a thick voice. 'If this isn't monstrously unkind! I never heard anything so gross as this—never!' The two waited, trying not to smile."
Schadenfreude? Actually, this was Welpale's karma, wasn't it? Yes, admit it. We've all been in the situation of Edwin and Biden before, trying not to smile at someone's misfortune.
I loved this chapter too (the nuanced "realities" of being in/of the world)! Despite Reardon's and Biffen's contrasting personalities, they find comfort with each other; their refreshing authenticity (together) and genuine connection/friendship offer a wisp of hope in a harsh world:
“If this fails I think – upon my soul, I think I shall kill myself.”
“Pooh!” exclaimed Biffen, gently. “With a wife like yours?”
“Just because of that.”
A well-placed “gently” makes all the difference.