Meaning: The quote by Sarah Fielding highlights the importance of modesty and candor in both the author and the reader when it comes to evaluating literary works. Sarah Fielding was an English author and the younger sister of the novelist Henry Fielding, best known for her novel "The Adventures of David Simple." As a writer herself, she was likely familiar with the challenges of critiquing one's own work and the role of the reader in interpreting and understanding literature.

The quote suggests that for an author to accurately assess their own writing, they must approach it with modesty and candor. Modesty in this context likely refers to the author's ability to remain humble and open to constructive criticism, rather than becoming overly attached to their work or defensive about any potential flaws. Candor, on the other hand, implies honesty and frankness in the author's self-evaluation. It encourages the author to approach their work with a critical eye, acknowledging both its strengths and weaknesses without bias.

Furthermore, Fielding extends this requirement of modesty and candor to the reader as well. Readers, according to Fielding, should also approach literary works with humility and openness. Modesty in the reader may involve recognizing their own limitations and understanding that their interpretation of a work is subjective and may not encompass all its complexities. Candor, on the other hand, suggests that readers should be honest in their assessment of a text, acknowledging both its merits and its potential shortcomings.

In essence, Fielding's quote emphasizes the need for both authors and readers to engage with literature in a spirit of humility and honesty. For authors, this means being willing to recognize and address the flaws in their own work, while also acknowledging its strengths. For readers, it means approaching literary works with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the text in a sincere and truthful manner.

The quote also highlights the reciprocal relationship between authors and readers. Authors create works of literature, but it is ultimately the readers who interpret and give meaning to those works. By calling for modesty and candor in both parties, Fielding suggests that a deeper understanding and appreciation of literature can be achieved when both author and reader approach the process with humility and honesty.

Overall, Sarah Fielding's quote emphasizes the importance of humility and honesty in the evaluation and interpretation of literary works. It serves as a reminder that both authors and readers play crucial roles in the creation and understanding of literature, and that a genuine and open-minded approach is essential for a meaningful literary experience.