The Literary Sense: Annotated

The Literary Sense is a witty and thought-provoking short story by E. Nesbit that explores the nature of literature, artistic expression, and the often subjective way in which people engage with stories. The story centers on a young woman named Gwendolen, who is caught up in her own musings about the importance and meaning of literary works.Gwendolen, an aspiring writer, believes she possesses a refined literary sense that allows her to understand and appreciate works of great art in a way that others cannot. However, her somewhat pretentious attitude towards literature leads to a series of amusing and revealing encounters that challenge her beliefs.The story begins with Gwendolen attending a literary gathering at the home of a well-known critic, where various intellectuals and aspiring authors have gathered to discuss the latest works of fiction. It is here that she meets a range of characters, including a rather unassuming but perceptive gentleman named Mr. Medlock, who holds contrasting views about literature. While Gwendolen assumes that her superior knowledge of literary theory and her ability to quote famous authors makes her an authority on the subject, Mr. Medlock remains humble and grounded in his understanding of what makes a story truly impactful.As the evening progresses, Gwendolen's conversation with Mr. Medlock reveals her narrow perspective on literature. She scoffs at popular novels and dismisses them as shallow and unworthy of serious consideration. She believes that only those works which adhere to specific intellectual standards and stylistic traditions are worth reading. Mr. Medlock, on the other hand, gently points out the value of stories that resonate with a wider audience, those that have the ability to engage and entertain, rather than simply fulfill academic or artistic criteria.Through their exchange, Gwendolen’s self-assured literary sensibilities begin to crack. She becomes increasingly aware that her rigid definitions of what makes a work “good” or “worthy” may not be as universal as she believes. In the end, she is forced to reconsider her snobbish attitude and recognize that the true literary sense may lie not in exclusive knowledge of highbrow texts, but in the ability to appreciate a variety of voices and forms of storytelling.At its heart, The Literary Sense is a commentary on the evolving nature of literature and the ever-changing standards by which it is judged. Nesbit uses her characters to explore the idea that literature is not simply about adhering to a set of conventions, but about connection—whether it’s between the writer and the reader, or between the art itself and the world. In this light, Gwendolen’s journey towards self-awareness becomes a reflection of the broader shifts in literary taste and the ways in which storytelling can be both a personal and communal experience.The story ends on a note of mild self-deprecation, with Gwendolen acknowledging that perhaps she had placed too much importance on intellectualism and not enough on the human qualities that make literature such a powerful force. This subtle shift in her perspective emphasizes Nesbit’s broader theme: that the true literary sense is one of openness, empathy, and a willingness to see value in all kinds of stories. Read more