Quote by Howard Nemerov
For a Jewish Puritan of the middle class, the novel is serious, the novel is work, the novel is conscientious application why, the novel is practically the retail business all over again.
Summary
This quote suggests that for a Jewish Puritan belonging to the middle class, the act of reading a novel is not simply a leisurely pastime but rather a serious undertaking. They view reading a novel as work, requiring conscientious effort and dedication. It implies that novels hold the same importance as running a retail business, emphasizing the seriousness and value placed on the act of reading and engaging with literary works.