The Spirit Of The Age

The protagonist, Mr. Gifford, embodies a mechanical approach to scholarship, focusing solely on the technical aspects of learning rather than the creative or aesthetic qualities of literature. He critiques an academic era fixated on textual precision and editorial details, neglecting the deeper essence and beauty of the written word. His perspective highlights a tension between meticulous scholarship and the appreciation of literary artistry, illustrating the limitations of a purely analytical mindset in understanding literature.