“I have never forgiven a still cherished and charming friend for calling his tale a medicated novel.”

A good-humoured but firm objection to a reductive description of his novel · Letter concerning Elsie Venner

• Criticism
• Independence
• Writing

“We may discuss the gravest questions over our morning coffee-cups, or over our evening teacups.”

Making serious intellectual inquiry part of ordinary civil conversation · Religious reflections quoted in the memoir

• Conversation
• Doubt
• Religion

“I think I shall be much more moderate in my expenses; I will try, at any rate.”

A practical promise of greater financial restraint while studying abroad · Letter from Europe, October 1834

• Discipline
• Moderation
• Money