A Psychological Counter-Current in Recent Fiction

The essay opens by tracing a subtle but powerful undercurrent that runs opposite the dominant literary tides of its age. It argues that every sweeping movement eventually encounters a reaction that both threatens and promises renewal, and that this dynamic is especially evident in recent fiction. By highlighting the emergence of “psychologism” within the fading romanticism of the past few years, the author suggests a hopeful new direction for storytelling.

Using Gilbert Parker’s latest novel as a focal point, the critique examines the enigmatic figure of Charley Steele—a brilliant, morally ambiguous lawyer whose intellect borders on cold calculation. The analysis delves into his oscillation between sobriety and drunkenness, his manipulative brilliance, and the vivid portrait of French‑Canadian life that frames his story. Through this close reading, the essay proposes that psychologism may become the vital thread that revitalizes the novel, offering readers a richer, more nuanced view of human agency.