To speak without figure, this mode of life writing has its disadvantages. For one thing, the composition cannot well be what the critics call harmonious and, indeed, Herr Dor. Ing's transitions are often abrupt enough. The hero changes his object and occupation from page to page, often from sens tence to sentence, in the most unaccountable way a pleasure journey, and a sickness of fifteen years, are despatched with equal brevity in a moment you find him married, and the father of three fine children. He dies no less suddenly -he is studying as usual, writing poetry, receiving visits, full of life and business, when instantly some paragraph Opens under him, like one of the trap-doors in the Vision (37' ?iirza, and he drops, without note of preparation, into the shades below. Perhaps, indeed, not forever; we have instances of his rising after the funeral, and winding up his affairs. The time has been that, when the brains were out, the man would die but Doring orders these things differently.
