"In all highly civilised communities Pretence is prominent, and sooner or later invades the regions of Literature"

James Payn, a 19th-century English novelist and editor, provides a poignant reflection on the interaction between social norms and literature in his quote: "In all extremely civilised communities Pretence is prominent, and eventually invades the regions of Literature". This statement recommends that as societies end up being advanced and refined, they tend to position a higher emphasis on looks, social norms, and, at times, superficiality. This "pretence" becomes a prevalent feature of social life, obvious in individuals's habits, interactions, and cultural practices.

In such societies, literature, which works as both a reflection and a review of social truths, can not remain untouched by these dominating mindsets. Writers, consciously or unconsciously, may discover themselves influenced by social pretenses. This influence can manifest in various methods within literature: the portrayal of characters who embody or critique social standards, the expedition of styles associated with identity and authenticity, and even in the stylistic choices that focus on kind over compound to deal with societal tastes.

Additionally, Payn indicates a certain inevitability to this intrusion, suggesting that literature is practically fated to be shaped by the pretentiousness of its cultural context. This raises questions about the role of literature as a potential challenger to social norms. While literature can perpetuate social pretenses, it also has the power to expose and review them. This double function can lead to a rich expedition of credibility versus artifice, motivating readers to question the façades maintained by society.

The quote functions as both an observation and a care. It calls attention to the need for important assessment of how societal values affect innovative expression. As society continues to develop, it ends up being significantly crucial for writers and readers alike to determine and challenge the layers of pretence that may cloud genuine creative expression. In doing so, literature can transcend simple reflection of social norms to end up being an effective tool for insight and change.