New Grub Street by George Gissing: Day 31
Chapter 31
In the opening two paragraphs of this chapter, Gissing did something extraordinary (for Gissing): he stepped from behind the story and addressed directly the readers.
“Nothing is easier than to condemn a type of character which is unequal to the coarse demands of life as it suits the average man.”
“The sum of their faults was their inability to earn money.”
Yes, I feel very much chastised for my previous impatience with Reardon.
Biffen’s rescue of his manuscript: a melodramatic turn executed expertly. All the time I worried that he would die in the fire, or he would live but lose the manuscript in the fire, or else he would rescue the manuscript and then collapse in exhaustion and die. What joy to know that my pessimism surpasses Gissing’s bleakness.
Postfire, Biffen and Reardon’s meeting, with their reminisce of the past and their wishful thinking of visiting Greece together: Gissing rarely gives us warmth but this is a touching moment of two friends who have stayed loyal to each other through thick and thin.
Join us on December 13 for a virtual discussion of New Grub Street with Yiyun Li.
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Like Yiyun mentions, the sudden interuption of the narrator does surprise. Interesting that the narrator seems to guess where the reader's sympathies lie--in frustration with Reardon. To me , Biffen seems hopeless but not as self-serving. The sudden action involved in saving the finally finished "Mr. Bailey, Grocer" felt almost like melodrama. Biffen's "gymnastic endeavor" on the rooftop reminded me that Biffen is only 35 years old.
Still, Reardon and Biffen seem unwilling move away from their ideals. To comfort themselves, they dream of the Acropolis. But for me, Biffen is still the one who sees more clearly if painfully. He challenges more selfish Reardon:
“What are we—you and I?” pursued [Biffen].“We have no belief in immortality; we are convinced that this life is all; we know that human happiness is the origin and end of all moral considerations. What right have we to make ourselves and others miserable for the sake of an obstinate idealism? It is our duty to make the best of circumstances."
Biffen to Reardon: "The art of living is the art of compromise." No truer words were ever spoken.