“Sacred and Profane Love: A Novel in Three Episodes" by Arnold Bennett encapsulates the complexities of love, offering a nuanced exploration through three distinct episodes. Arnold Bennett, one of the eminent British authors of his time, masterfully narrates the intertwining tales of love in a contemporary setting. Through the characters of the novel, readers encounter a range of experiences, from idealized and romantic to more realistic and nuanced portrayals of love. Bennett's narrative style strikes a balance between the risqué and the sentimental, often employing a tongue-in-cheek tone to address the contemporary marriage problems faced by the characters. At the heart of the story is Carlotta Peel, the narrator, who guides us through the intricacies of love and relationships. The novel challenges conventional notions of love, presenting both sacred and profane aspects in a thought-provoking manner. With its exploration of love in various forms and its portrayal of the human experience, “Sacred and Profane Love" stands as a timeless classic in British literature, showcasing Bennett's prowess in storytelling and his keen understanding of human nature.
Arnold Bennett was born on May 27, 1867, in Hanley, Staffordshire, which is now part of Stoke-on-Trent but was previously a separate municipality. He was the eldest of three boys and three daughters born to Enoch Bennett (1843-1902) and Sarah Ann, nee Longson (1840-1914). Enoch Bennett's early career was marked by ups and downs: following an unsuccessful attempt to start a pottery manufacturing and sales firm, he established himself as a draper and pawnbroker in 1866. Four years later, Enoch's father died, leaving him some money with which he apprenticed at a local legal business; in 1876, he became a solicitor. The Bennetts were strong Wesleyans who enjoyed music, culture, and socializing. Bennett attended the Wedgwood Institute in Burslem from 1877 to 1882, and then attended a grammar school in Newcastle-under-Lyme for one year. He was good at Latin and better at French; he had an inspirational headmaster who instilled in him a lifelong love of French literature and the French language. He excelled intellectually and passed Cambridge University exams, which may have led to an Oxbridge degree, but his father had other ideas. Bennett left school in 1883 at the age of 16 and began unpaid work at his father's business. He split his time between unpleasant occupations, such as rent collection, during the day and preparing for exams in the evening.
