Mr. Prohack (ePub)

Enoch Arnold Bennett, an English novelist and dramatist, remains a significant figure in the literary world for his reflections on the lives of ordinary people. Born on May 27, 1867, in Hanley, Staffordshire, Bennett's experience in the industrial Potteries region of England profoundly influenced his writing (Drabble, 1974). He began his career as a solicitor's clerk, an experience that provided him with insights into the minutiae of everyday life. These insights would become a central feature of his narrative style, particularly his ability to imbue the commonplace with significance. His transition from journalism to full-time author was marked by the publication of 'A Man from the North' in 1898, which heralded the beginning of a series of novels exploring the constraints of provincial life. Bennett's prolific output included notable works such as 'The Old Wives' Tale' (1908) and 'Clayhanger' (1910), which established him as a leading realist novelist of the Edwardian era. However, critics often undervalue his wit and satirical prowess, underscored by his lesser-known work, 'Mr. Prohack' (1922), where he humorously explores the theme of sudden wealth and its impact on character-an exceptional deviation from his usual serious commentary on social issues. Bennett's legacy endures through his detailed chronicles of Edwardian England, and his works continue to provide valuable insight into the era's societal conditions. Despite the ebb and flow of his critical reputation, the authenticity and humanity of his characters secure his place in the English literary canon (Parker, 2004).