Out of Character: Modernism, Vitalism, Psychic Life

Synopsis

Characters Are Those Fictive Beings In Novels Whose Coherent Patterns Of Behavior Make Them Credible As People. Character Is Also Used To Refer To The Capacity-or Incapacity-of Individuals To Sustain Core Principles. When Characters Are Inconsistent, They Risk Coming Across As Dangerous Or Immoral, Not To Mention Unconvincing. But What Is Behind Our Culture's Esteem For Unwavering Consistency? Out Of Character Examines Literary Characters Who Defy Our Culture's Models Of Personal Integrity. It Argues About Modernist Writers Henry James, Gertrude Stein, And T.s. Eliot. Personhood Beyond Personality -- Novel Interests : Henry James -- Lively Habits : Gertrude Stein -- Intoning Voice : T.s. Eliot -- Afterword : Vital Signs. Omri Moses. Includes Bibliographical References (pages [261]-275) And Index.