Meaning: This quote by Anita Brookner, a renowned British author and art historian, delves into the complexities of life and the contrast between the lessons found in great books and the realities of existence. It suggests that the lessons conveyed in literature may not always align with the intricate and often unjust nature of real-life experiences.

Anita Brookner, known for her astute observations of human behavior and emotions, was likely reflecting on the idealized and moralistic narratives often found in classic literature. While great books often impart valuable lessons and moral principles, they may oversimplify the complexities of human interactions, societal structures, and the unpredictable nature of life itself.

Brookner's assertion that "the commerce in life is rarely so simple and never so just" highlights her belief that the real world operates on a much more nuanced and ambiguous plane than the neatly resolved conflicts and clear-cut moral lessons often found in literature. This insight invites readers to question the extent to which literary teachings can be directly applied to the intricacies of human existence.

When examining this quote, it's essential to consider the historical and cultural context in which great books are created and received. Classic literature often reflects the values, norms, and ideals of the time in which it was written, offering a distilled and often idealized version of life. This idealization can lead to an oversimplification of complex moral and ethical dilemmas, as well as the portrayal of characters and situations in a manner that may not fully reflect the complexities of real-life experiences.

Furthermore, the quote prompts us to contemplate the disparities between the moral clarity found in great books and the often ambiguous and morally ambiguous nature of human interactions. In real life, decisions are rarely black and white, and justice is not always served. The intricacies of human behavior, emotions, and relationships cannot always be neatly resolved within the confines of a narrative, as they are in literature.

Anita Brookner, as a historian and author, likely drew upon her understanding of human history and the complexities of societal structures to inform her perspective on the limitations of the lessons taught in great books. History is replete with examples of the unpredictable and often unjust nature of human events, underscoring the discrepancy between the simplified moral teachings of literature and the intricate realities of the world.

In conclusion, Anita Brookner's quote presents a thought-provoking examination of the contrast between the lessons conveyed in great books and the complexities of real-life experiences. It challenges readers to critically assess the idealized and moralistic narratives often found in literature and consider how they may diverge from the intricate and often unjust nature of human existence. By acknowledging the limitations of literary teachings in capturing the complexities of life, we can cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the human experience.