EVELINA. When appeared, in 1778, its originality created a literary sensation. That Fanny Burney, a young woman of 25, in a period of mediocre and frequently indecorous imitations, should have produced a novel keen in observations, seemly in humor and spirited in execution, won admiration everywhere. To-day some of the newness has worn off and the artistry has been partially eclipsed by the genius of later writers. But will always possess distinction as an early example of the novel of domestic manners as seen through clear and subtle feminine eyes; time cannot rob it of its intrinsic freshness, and, indeed, riches it with a certain charming quaintness. The story is told in the form of letters, tinuing in this respect the tradition of 'Pamela.' But most of the Richardsonian analytical chology is omitted and the incidents are not as exceptional as those that were necessary to regale an earlier generation. With these fications, the stress is laid upon the tion of contemporary English life as it would impress an Evelina. The result is a degree of immaturity and externality as compared with the penetration of Jane Austen; however, the surface of society as it is reflected in the mind of the youthful letter-writer, is portrayed with undeniable vivacity and comic power. The
comedy arises chiefly from the juxtaposition
of contrasting ridiculous characters. They are
simplified and exaggerated almost to the point
of caricature, but they possess truth enough to
make them human; and the comedy to which
they give rise, though verging upon farce, is
always amusing and wholesome. Among the
varied types moves Evelina, finally successful in
winning the recognition of her deceived father
and the love of her noble admirer. She is in
essence Miss Burney herself ; and to the
spontaneity and vividness of her reactions to
the life about her the novel in the last analysis
owes its vitality and charm. Consult Dobson,
Austin