Catherine's "At Home"
"AT HOME", by Anatole France, is a novel that explores the themes of identity, class, and social hierarchy in late 19th-century France. The story follows the lives of several characters, including the wealthy and influential Madame de Guiche, her daughter Sophie, and the young poet Jacques Lonvilliers. As the title suggests, the novel is set largely within the confines of a Parisian mansion, where the characters' lives intersect and collide in complex and often humorous ways. Through their interactions, France explores the tensions between tradition and modernity, as well as the role of art and literature in shaping cultural values. Throughout the novel, France employs a witty and satirical tone to critique the excesses of French society during this time period. He also delves into themes of love, morality, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Overall, "AT HOME" is a thought-provoking and entertaining novel that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of Parisian high society during the late 19th century.
By Anatole France · First published 1884 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Biography · 556 words
First lines
IT is five o'clock. Mademoiselle Catherine is "at home" to her dolls. It is her "day." The dolls do not talk; the little Genie that gave them their smile did not vouchsafe the gift of speech. He refused it for the general good; if dolls could talk, we should hear nobody but them. Still there is no lack of conversation. Mademoiselle Catherine talks for her guests as well as for herself; she asks questions and gives the answers.
What this Textopian page supports
Catherine's "At Home" is listed on Textopian as a novel by Anatole France, dated 1884 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Anatole France
- Date: 1884 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Biography, Romance, Drama
- Length: 556 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Catherine's "At Home" by Anatole France
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Catherine's "At Home"?
- How does this novel by Anatole France fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Story Of The Duchess Of Cicogne And Monsieur De Boulingrin by Anatole France
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- Miss Minnelys Management by Edward William Thomson
- The Imaginary Mistress by Honore De Balzac
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book portrays the life of Catherine with a detailed portrayal of historical contexts, making it a work of historical fiction.
- Literary Fiction — The prose style and narrative approach in the book demonstrate literary sophistication, thus making it relevant to the genre of literary fiction.
- Biography — As the book tells the life story of Catherine, it can be associated with the genre of biography.
- Romance — Parts of the book show romantic relationships and interactions, aligning it with the romance genre.
Tags
French Literature · Classic Fiction · Nineteenth Century Literature · Women's Studies · Social Commentary · Historical Fiction · Romance · Coming of Age · Family Dynamics · Gender Roles · Marriage · Society