Chapter II: The Victorian Contribution

The cumulative inheritance. Recent change in form from heroic
couplet to prose fiction. Progressive change in substance from
hypocritical to sentimental side of deceit. Seen in
institutions as well as in types of character. Science and
democracy the most influential factors. Scientific search for
causes of failure. Democratic sense of social responsibility.
Satire directed against self-deceived inefficiency mistaken for
success. Satiric method concentrated on exposure of motives.
Satiric manner less assertive and more casual and urbane.
Recognition of the paradox in ridicule. Reduction of it to
minor rôle, though staged with more finesse and effectiveness.
Stress shifted from the critical element to the ironically
humorous 288

Bibliographical note 317

Index 329