Meaning: This quote by Harry Mathews, an American author known for his experimental writing, reflects his admiration for a particular culture and the way people interact within it. Mathews was a prominent figure in the literary world, and his work often delved into the complexities of human behavior and relationships. In this quote, he expresses his immediate fascination and attraction to a culture, emphasizing that it is not the highbrow aspects that captivated him, but rather the fundamental ways in which people treated each other.

Mathews' statement suggests that his interest in this culture stems from the interpersonal dynamics and social behaviors that he observed within it. Rather than being drawn to the more refined or elite aspects of the culture, he was struck by the everyday interactions and customs that defined the way people related to each other. This indicates that Mathews placed a significant value on the genuine and unassuming manner in which individuals within this culture conducted themselves.

In interpreting this quote, it is important to consider the broader context in which Mathews made this observation. As an author known for his exploration of human nature and societal dynamics, it is likely that his attraction to this particular culture was driven by a desire to understand and perhaps incorporate its authentic and unpretentious qualities into his own work. By emphasizing the "basic way people behaved towards one another," Mathews may have been seeking inspiration for authentic character portrayals and interpersonal relationships in his writing.

Furthermore, the distinction Mathews makes between "high culture" and the "basic way people behaved towards one another" suggests a deliberate focus on the grassroots aspects of the culture. Rather than being enamored with the more conspicuous or grandiose elements often associated with high culture, Mathews was drawn to the fundamental interactions and social norms that defined the essence of this particular society. This highlights his appreciation for the unadorned and unvarnished aspects of human interaction, which may have offered him a deeper insight into the intrinsic qualities of this culture.

It is also worth noting that Mathews' use of the word "smitten" conveys a sense of immediate and intense attraction. This suggests that his fascination with this culture was not merely casual or passing, but rather a profound and enduring admiration for the way people conducted themselves within it. The word "smitten" implies an emotional response, indicating that Mathews' experience of this culture had a significant impact on him, perhaps leaving a lasting impression that informed his worldview and creative endeavors.

In conclusion, Harry Mathews' quote reflects his deep admiration for a culture based on the fundamental behaviors and interactions of its people. His emphasis on the genuine and unembellished aspects of human conduct within this culture underscores his appreciation for the unassuming and authentic qualities that define interpersonal relationships. By expressing his immediate attraction to these fundamental aspects of the culture, Mathews reveals his profound interest in understanding and incorporating its unpretentious nature into his literary explorations of human behavior and relationships.