"Questionable Shapes" by William Dean Howells is a story set at the beginning of the 1900s, where a man named Hewson struggles after seeing what he believes to be an apparition, which makes him wonder about what is real. Hewson's life takes place in the days of summer, which sets a cheerful contrast to what is going on internally as he tries to understand the experience as well as if and how he should share it with others. The beginning of the book depicts Hewson's conversations with the host, St. John, as well as the other house guests, with an emphasis on the enigmatic Miss Hernshaw. Hewson ultimately decides to keep his encounter a secret, opening up broader themes about truth, personal identity, and the complexity of social relationships amidst life-altering events.
Questionable Shapes
By William Dean Howells
In a world of sunny gatherings and hidden realities, a man must decide if the vision he had is worth the social risk of sharing.
Summary
About the AuthorWilliam Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters". He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, and the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day," which was adapted into a 1996 film of the same name.
William Dean Howells was an American realist novelist, literary critic, and playwright, nicknamed "The Dean of American Letters". He was particularly known for his tenure as editor of The Atlantic Monthly, as well as for the novels The Rise of Silas Lapham and A Traveler from Altruria, and the Christmas story "Christmas Every Day," which was adapted into a 1996 film of the same name.
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