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

## PART I

PREMISES

Satire in the Victorian Novel

##