Cakes and Ale · Chapter
Chapter XI explained
The narrator reflects on Edward Driffield's literary reputation, contrasting his early obscurity with his later status as the Grand Old Man of English Letters.
What happens
The narrator reflects on Edward Driffield's literary reputation, contrasting his early obscurity with his later status as the Grand Old Man of English Letters. He muses on the nature of beauty, the fickleness of critics, and the role of longevity in literary fame. The chapter ends with Alroy Kear's arrival, who interrupts the narrator's reverie.
Themes in this chapter
The Writer and the Craft
The narrator critiques Driffield's style and the nature of literary success, reflecting on the craft of writing.
The Nature of Beauty
The narrator discusses the concept of beauty, its fleeting nature, and its role in art and criticism.
Hypocrisy and Reputation
The narrator observes the discrepancy between Driffield's early obscurity and later acclaim, and the hypocrisy of critics.
Characters to notice
- The Narrator
Reflects on Driffield's career and the nature of literary fame, awaiting Alroy Kear.
- Edward Driffield
Subject of the narrator's musings; his literary reputation and style are analyzed.
- Roy Kear
Arrives at the narrator's home, interrupting his thoughts; discusses succession to Driffield's position.
Key passages
“His novels happen to bore me; I find them long; the melodramatic incidents with which he sought to stir the sluggish reader’s interest leave me cold; but he certainly had sincerity.”
The narrator admits that Driffield's novels are tedious and melodramatic, yet acknowledges his genuine sincerity.
The narrator's personal opinion on Driffield's literary merit.
“Beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger. There is really nothing to be said about it.”
The narrator compares beauty to a basic sensation like hunger, suggesting it defies explanation.
Reflection on the ineffable nature of beauty.
“If, as I think, longevity is genius, few in our time have enjoyed it in a more conspicuous degree than Edward Driffield.”
The narrator suggests that Driffield's long life and continued output contributed to his reputation as a genius.
Comment on the role of longevity in literary fame.