"THE WOOD BEYOND THE WORLD."
[TO THE EDITOR OF TRY "SPECTATOR."]
make it a rule not to answer any criticism of my literary work, feeling that the writers have formed their opinions on grounds sufficient to themselves, and that they have a full right to express those opinions. But I think I might break this rule in the case of your very kind and generous notice of my" Wood Beyond the World" (for which I beg to thank you heartily), and, for the benefit of your readers, correct what is matter of fact, and not of opinion.
I had not the least intention of thrusting an allegory into "The Wood Beyond the World;" it is meant for a tale pure and simple, with nothing didactic about it. If I have to write or speak on social problems, I always try to be as direct as I possibly can be. On the other hand, I should consider it bad art in any one writing an allegory not to make it clear from the first that this was his intention, and not to take care throughout that the allegory and the story should interpene- trate, as does the great master of allegory, Bunyan. Asking pardon for taking up your valuable space by writing even these few words about myself,—I am, Sir, &c.,
WILLIAM MORRIS.
Previous page
