Mr. Bennett and Mrs. Brown

The essay critiques Arnold Bennett's view that character is central to novels, arguing instead for a deeper understanding of societal context. Woolf identifies 1910 as a pivotal year in interpersonal dynamics, using the character of Mrs. Brown to exemplify authenticity. She critiques past writers from the Edwardian and Georgian eras for their inability to create enduring characters, asserting that history favors her approach, as evidenced by the lasting impact of her own works like Mrs. Dalloway. This edition features section headings and bold fonts for clarity.