# Letter of Dedication explained — Basil

> Chapter companion for Basil by Wilkie Collins.

## What happens

In this prefatory letter, Wilkie Collins dedicates 'Basil' to his friend Charles James Ward, reflecting on the novel's origins in real life, its defense against charges of impropriety, and its eventual success. He articulates his literary philosophy, emphasizing the importance of grounding fiction in reality while also employing extraordinary events to engage readers' deeper emotions. Collins also addresses critics who misunderstood the book's moral purpose, asserting his commitment to portraying vice with its true consequences.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Ideal vs. The Real

Collins discusses grounding fiction in reality while also incorporating extraordinary events, balancing the ideal with the real.

### Guilt and Redemption

The dedication addresses the moral purpose of depicting crime and error, aiming to teach lessons through examples of vice.

## Character check-ins

### Basil

The novel's protagonist, whose story is the subject of this dedication.

## Key lines

> Fancy and imagination, grace and beauty, all those qualities which are to the work of art what scent and colour are to the flower, can only grow towards heaven by taking root in earth.

Artistic qualities must be grounded in reality to flourish.

_Collins emphasizes the importance of realism in fiction._

> I have not stooped so low as to assure myself of the reader’s belief in the probability of my story, by never once calling on him for the exercise of his faith.

I have not limited myself to only everyday events; I also use extraordinary occurrences to engage the reader.

_Collins defends his use of improbable events in storytelling._

> I have shown the conduct of the vile, as always, in a greater or less degree, associated with something that is selfish, contemptible, or cruel in motive.

I have depicted villainous characters with selfish or cruel motivations.

_Collins explains his moral approach to portraying evil._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters/letter-of-dedication
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/basil_se/chapters