Meaning: Leslie Fiedler, a prominent literary critic, made this quote in reference to Jane Austen's place in the history of the novel. To fully understand this quote, we must first delve into the context of the literary tradition and its evolution over time.

The quote begins with a reference to Samuel Richardson, an English writer known for his epistolary novels, particularly "Pamela" and "Clarissa." Richardson is often considered one of the pioneers of the modern novel, and his works are characterized by their psychological depth and exploration of human emotions and relationships. By stating that Jane Austen is at the end of the line that begins with Samuel Richardson, Fiedler is highlighting the literary lineage that connects these two authors.

Fiedler suggests that the tradition of the novel, as exemplified by Richardson and continued by Austen, has evolved over time. He implies that the wonder and magic, perhaps the sense of romantic adventure or fantastical elements, present in earlier iterations of the novel have been removed in the works of Austen. Instead, the focus shifts to the present rather than the past. This shift signifies a departure from the sensational and often melodramatic storytelling of Richardson's era to a more realistic and introspective portrayal of society and human nature in Austen's time.

Jane Austen is renowned for her keen observations of the social norms, manners, and relationships of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Her novels, including "Pride and Prejudice," "Sense and Sensibility," and "Emma," are celebrated for their wit, irony, and astute depiction of the complexities of human interactions. Austen's works often center on the domestic sphere, focusing on the everyday lives and concerns of her characters. This departure from the sensational and fantastical elements of earlier novels aligns with Fiedler's assertion that Austen's writing treats not the past but the present.

Fiedler's quote invites us to consider the evolution of the novel as a literary form and the changing priorities of writers over time. While Richardson's novels may have been more focused on dramatic storytelling and emotional intensity, Austen's works represent a shift towards a more realistic and socially conscious portrayal of everyday life. This transition reflects the broader cultural and intellectual shifts occurring during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, as the Enlightenment gave way to the Romantic era and new movements in literature and art.

In summary, Leslie Fiedler's quote provides insight into the evolution of the novel as a literary form, highlighting the transition from wonder and magic to a focus on the present in the works of Jane Austen. By placing Austen at the end of the line that begins with Samuel Richardson, Fiedler prompts us to consider the changing priorities and themes within the novel tradition, as well as the broader cultural and historical context in which these shifts occurred. Austen's contributions to the novel form continue to be celebrated for their enduring relevance and keen insights into human nature and society.