History of Bengali Language and Literature c10.9

c10.9

A new era was dawning in our literature. Society after a great movement sinks into callousness. A great idea passes away; and in the age that follows the spasmodic efforts of common men to reach the high ideal expressed in some great historic character slowly spend themselves. Lesser men arise who pose as leaders of society, scoffing at all that constitutes greatness; and custom and convention—two hoary-headed monsters—once more clasp the people in their iron grip. This is an age when craft and ingenuity find favour instead of open-hearted sincerity; when moral courage, character, manliness and strength of conviction fall into disfavour and worldly manœuvres of all sorts pass for high qualities and are praised as indicating wisdom.