You're about where I am, Jim. I'm amused by what Bianchon says when they chat about literature: 'Like the Russians' beaten by Charles XII, who at least earned the art of war, the reader has learned the art of writing. Formerly all that was expected of a romance was that it should be interesting. As to style, no one cared for that, not even the author; as to ideas - zero; as to local colour -non est. By degree the reader has demanded style, interest, pathos, and complete information; he insists on the five literary senses - Invention, Style, Thought, Learning and Feeling. (Loc 1409)
'Like the Russians' beaten by Charles XII, who at least earned the art of war, the reader has learned the art of writing. Formerly all that was expected of a romance was that it should be interesting. As to style, no one cared for that, not even the author; as to ideas - zero; as to local colour -non est. By degree the reader has demanded style, interest, pathos, and complete information; he insists on the five literary senses - Invention, Style, Thought, Learning and Feeling. (Loc 1409)