The Man of Feeling

"The Man of Feeling" by Henry Mackenzie is a book from the late 1700s, that explores the intensity of human emotions during that period. The story centers on Harley, a very sensitive and emotional man, as he deals with relationships and what society expects of him. The book starts with the narrator and a church leader talking after a hunt that didn't go well. They begin discussing feelings and the way people feel, especially Harley, who comes off as quiet but is very caring. Through stories told by the church leader, Harley is shown to be a strange man known for his deep thinking and emotional reaction to what happens around him. The book gives the impression of a well-mannered and thoughtful person who often struggles with the standards of society while highly valuing what is good and right, pointing towards a powerful look at both feelings and morals.