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Art. 24. Canterbury Tales. Volume Vth. By Harriet Lee. 8vo. 8s. Wilkie and Robinson. 1805.
Although the four preceding volumes were published previous to the appearance of our journal, they are so well known to the public, that it will not be necessary to review the plan on which they were written. The present volume will not, perhaps, detract much from the character of the fair authoress, although it is considerably inferior, if not to the fourth, certainly to the first three. It consists of three tales, or short novels, the first of which is simple, pathetic, and interesting; the second is deficient in all these particulars; we are taught to expect something, but there is a deplorable falling-off both as to incidents and sentiments. The third we can by no means approve; it is perhaps superior to the others in style and neatness of dialogue, but the morality is highly objectionable. Sir Peter Teazle asks, 'When an old bachelor marries a young wife, what is he to expect?' - In a modern novel, he is to expect to be represented as a brute, and that his wife shall be furnished with all those refined sentiments on the subject of cuckoldom, which generally end in Doctor's Commons. This is the plan of the tale before us, and of many other novels. Indeed such fables are sufficiently hacknied, and the manners of the age shew the consequence. We acquit the authoress of meaning all this, but it is dangerous for weak minds to be taught to tamper with the passions, or to consider, even for a moment, that any ill-usage on the part of a husband can justify a wife in transferring her affections to another. It is one of the most wretched delusions that ever entered a female head or heart. [complete]
Provided by Julie A. Shaffer, November 1999.
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