Page:Satire in the Victorian novel (IA satireinvictoria00russrich).pdf/137



"One can't wonder why every small man thinks it so pleasant to let down a big one, when a father asks a stranger to let down his own son for even fancying that he is not small beer. It is upon that principle in human nature that criticism wisely relinquishes its pretensions as an analytical science, and becomes a lucrative profession. It relies on the pleasure its readers find in letting a man down."

Dr. Shrapnel is a sad and tragic figure, bowed by an altruistic grief at the state of human affairs, yet over his clouded sky play some sharp lightning flashes; witness his vivid simile describing the Tories, thus reported:

"He compares them to geese claiming possession of the whole common, and hissing at every foot of ground they have to yield. They're always having to retire and always hissing. 'Retreat and menace,' that's the motto for them."

There are a few characters remaining who cannot be omitted from this group of witty satirists, who do not quite belong to any of the above classes, and who do have a common bond, though only the artificial one of femininity. They must therefore be mentioned as Women; Mrs. Poyser being summoned for a second enrollment, and Mrs. Cadwallader added. It is true that their animadversions are largely directed against some faults in the prevailing system of courtship, marriage, and a masculine-managed

good-natured criticism or a generous sentiment." 161.
 * [Footnote: bringing "that highly intellectual journal into discredit by a feeble attempt at a

Kenelm grows into some likeness to his old tutor Welby, an unpedantic, versatile scholar, who belonged to "the school of Eclectical Christology." The Rev. John Chillingly, for instance, did not perceive Welby's realism, for the latter listened to idealistic eulogies without contradicting them; having "grown too indolent to be combative in conversation, and only as a critic betrayed such pugnacity as remained to him by the polished cruelty of sarcasm." 34.]