The Opposing Self: Nine Essays in Criticism

by Lionel Trilling

Analytical studies trace the development theme of the individual in selected novels, letters, and poems from the end of the eighteenth century to the present

Genres: Essays, Literary Criticism, Criticism, Nonfiction

204 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Lionel Mordecai Trilling was an American literary critic, short story writer, essayist, and teacher. He was one of the leading U.S. critics of the 20th century who analyzed the contemporary cultural, social, and political implications of literature. With his wife Diana Trilling (née Rubin), whom he married in 1929, he was a member of the New York Intellectuals and contributor to the Partisan Review.

Reviews

[عزام الشثري · Rating 3 out of 5]

كتاب مرآة النفس، نقد أدبي / نفسي لبعض الأدباء
منهم جين أوستن، وديكنز، وتولستوي، وفلوبرت وأورويل
تجده يناقش أحداث الروايات، وموضوعاتها وطريقة معالجتها
بطريقة ممتعة لكنّها تحتاج قراءة مسبقة لأعمال هؤلاء الأدباء

أقتبس نصًّا فرّغته رغم طوله، إذ يقول عن جورج أورويل: لهجته بسيطة وواقعية، وتوكيده للحقائق السياسية ليس صادرًا عن أزمة نفسيّة، صحيح أن ما تعلمه من الحرب في أسبانيا آلمه كثيرًا وأدى إلى تغيير مسلكه، إلا أنه لم يهدمه ولم يحطم ما كان قد آمن به، ولم يبدل اتجاهه السياسي، ولم يولد فيه الإحساس بالجرم وتبكيت الضمير، إنه انتصار أدبي كبير، يدل على عقلية ونفسية يندر وجودهما، كان رجلًا فاضلًا، فضيلة تفوق الصلاح الادبي، وتنطوي على الجلد والقوة في الصلاح، وهو بخلاف جميع رموز عصره له شخصيّة، وليس عبقريًا، وما يجعل له شخصيّة، هو فضيلة كونه غير عبقريّ، فضيلة مواجهة العالم بمجرد ذكائه البسيط المستقيم، واحترام ما عنده من ملكات وما يقدم عليه من عمل. نحبّ العبقريّة ولو ثبّطت عزائمنا كأنما تحتكر القوى، وهو ما تفعله الديموقراطيّة، حين قالت إن العبقرية في يدك وبوسعك أن تكون أميرًا أو سلطانًا أو شهيدًا أو قديسًا، فإن لم تصبح كذلك فهي تسمح لك أن تعتبر نفسك أشبه بالعدم.
روايات أورويل كلّها جيّد، وبعضه أجود من بعض وأحسن ممّا نتوقع، لكنه ليس نتاج روائيّ عظيم ولا حتى روائيّ مطبوع، أما مقالاته النقدية فإنها دائمًا ممتازة، ولو أنها لا تفي بمتطلبات الموضوع

[R. Allain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literary criticism, perhaps deservedly, often evokes a slight palpitation of the heart and rise in blood pressure as it tends to insufferable pretension. Because, alas, its noble capacity to elucidate is oft diminished in torrents of turgid prose and condescension. But conversely, imagine encountering a wise and humane practitioner of the craft. Someone who uses words not for veils of unknowing - but as simple, honest tools to understanding and enrichment. So three (or four) cheers for Lionel Trolling - an exemplary figure for what criticism - at its best, can be. Yet even so, most readers will probably prefer certain of these nine essays over others. That's natural. For me, "Little Dorrit" is one that clearly stands out as Trilling waxes eloquent on author Charles Dickens' profound misgivings about the unhappy effect of society on the human personality - whose corrosive impacts are best exemplified as the confines of prison. And this institution looms large in this much overlooked Dickens' novel, a book Trilling made me want to begin reading posthaste! Of course, hardly to be constrained by only 19th century English fiction, however instructive, Mr. Trilling pens a pertinent essay on the ordeal of another literary giant, this time actually fighting with the rebels in the Spanish Civil War. Trilling's "George Orwell and the Politics of Truth" based on Orwell's book, Homage to Catalonia. Here we are indelibly reminded some writers have risked it all for a cause - and then written about it. Finally, let me mention one more favorite essay, "Mansfield Park," Trilling's reflections on an outlier Jane Austen book which, despite diverging from her general canon of works, under Trilling's incisive gaze, yields enough gems to whet any reader's interest and administration. Another piece, "Anna Karenina," also burns brilliantly because Lionel Trilling, to real lovers of literature, is often simply incandescent - without the smoke.

[Michael David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Literary criticism is pointless without having read the novels or poetry being critiqued, so I can't make an accurate statement regarding his essays. Trilling, however, is extremely erudite and fluent that I've discovered some English words to add to my vocabulary: in this regard I seem to be a sciolist though I do not pretend depth of understanding. Nevertheless, I don't think my reading was otiose. I don't think I am a faineant, either. I did learn those words, didn't I?

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dense, pithy reading, but ultimately rewarding, as you'd expect from Trilling. The final essay on Austen is probably my favorite.

[James Smythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trilling is widely regarded as one of the leading critics of the 20th century and a key figure in the New York Intellectuals, a group of writers and thinkers who contributed significantly to American intellectual and cultural life. His prose is eloquent and lively, always with a sparkle and a wit.

The works considered in this book span a wide array, and are all well worth a read if you haven't done so alreaady. "Homage to Catalonia" stands out as one of Orwell's under-appreciated masterpieces and Trilling's review is brilliant.

[Tim Nason · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ Erudite, illuminating, focused. I gained renewed appreciation for William Dean Howells’ Boston novels, and feel that I can read Henry James’ The Bostonians with greater understanding.