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In this essay, Howells explores a literary trend he observed in contemporary fiction during his time. He refers to this trend as a "psychological counter-current." Essentially, Howells is discussing a shift in the focus of fiction from external events and actions to the inner thoughts, emotions, and psychological states of characters.During the late 19th century, there was a growing interest in the exploration of characters' inner lives and the impact of psychology on their actions and decisions. This marked a departure from earlier literary traditions that primarily emphasized external plot and action. Howells believed that this shift toward a more psychologically oriented fiction was a significant development in the evolution of the novel as an art form.In the essay, Howells discusses several authors and works that he saw as exemplifying this psychological counter-current. He examines how these authors, including Henry James and George Meredith, delved into the complexities of human psychology and portrayed characters with greater depth and nuance.William Dean Howells' essay is an important contribution to the understanding of the development of American and English literature during the late 19th century. It sheds light on the shift toward psychological realism in fiction and the impact of this trend on the art of the novel.