# An Introduction explained — The Cords of Vanity

> Chapter companion for The Cords of Vanity by James Branch Cabell.

## What happens

Wilson Follett introduces the second edition of 'The Cords of Vanity,' discussing how James Branch Cabell has recreated the novel by deepening the character of Robert Etheridge Townsend, correlating his weakness as a man with his strength as an artist. Follett reflects on the book's initial poor reception and limited audience, and anticipates a wider appreciation in the changed post-war world.

## Themes in this chapter

### Artistic Identity and Escapism

The introduction emphasizes Townsend's growth as an artist whose personal weakness is correlated with his strength as a creator of beauty.

### Vanity and Self-Deception

Townsend is described as shirking responsibility and discomfort, a form of self-deception that is central to the novel's comedy.

### Time, Memory, and Regret

Follett discusses how the past is reinterpreted by a more mature mind, and how the novel itself has been recreated over time.

## Character check-ins

### Robert Etheridge Townsend

The hero of the novel, whose character has been deepened in this edition to correlate his personal weakness with his artistic strength.

### John Charteris

Mentioned as the central figure of 'Beyond Life' and as a comparable artist whose personal life lacks the virtues he consummates in art.

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator of the introduction, Wilson Follett, who speaks in first person as a charter member of Cabell's audience.

## Key lines

> Mr. Cabell’s hero has been subjected to such a process of growth as has made him commensurate in stature with the other two modern writers of Mr. Cabell’s invention.

Cabell has developed his protagonist to match the depth of his other major characters.

_Follett highlights the artistic maturation of Townsend in this edition._

> His weakness as a man becomes much more tolerable in this second version, because it is much more intimately and poignantly correlated with his strength as an artist.

Townsend's flaws are more acceptable because they are tied to his creative abilities.

_Central thesis of the introduction: the revised novel balances personal failing with artistic virtue._

> The irony, which at its harshest was capable of rasping the nerves, has become capable of wringing the heart.

The satire has softened from irritating to deeply moving.

_Follett notes the tonal shift in the revised edition._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters/an-introduction
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_cords_of_vanity_se/chapters