Out of Character : Modernism, Vitalism, Psychic Life

"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 that modernist writers Henry James, Gertrude Stein, and T. S. Eliot drew inspiration from vitalism as a way of reinventing the means of depicting people in fiction and poetry. Rather than regarding a rigid character as something that inoculates us against the shifting tides of circumstance, these writers insist on the ethical necessity of forming improvisational, dynamic social relationships. Charting the literary impact of William James, Charles Darwin, Friedrich Nietzsche, and, in particular, Henri Bergson, this book contends that vitalist understandings of psychology, affect, and perception led to new situational and relational definitions of selfhood. As Moses demonstrates, the modernists stirred by these vital life lessons give us a sense of what psychic life looks like at its most intricate, complex, and unpredictable. 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. 'Characters' are those fictive beings in novels whose coherent patterns of behaviour make them credible as people. 'Character' is also used to refer to the capacity - or incapacity - to sustain one's core principles. What is behind this esteem for unwavering consistency? 'Out of Character' examines literary characters who test and defy our culture's models of personal integrity This book looks at the unpredictable literary characters created by modernist writers Henry James, Gertrude Stein, and T. S. Eliot to understand what the fluid, vitalist models of psychology that inspired their creations can teach us about how to live.