Miss Ophelia Gledd
The story revolves around Ophelia Gledd, a young woman from Boston who is engaged to marry John Pryor. However, her affections are also sought after by Hannibal Hoskins, who has been trying to win her over. Despite her initial reluctance, Ophelia eventually accepts John's proposal and they get married in Boston. The story takes a turn when Ophelia reveals that she is afraid of John's mother and sisters, who live in London. She fears that they will not accept her as one of their own due to her American background. To alleviate her concerns, John promises to return with her to America if his family does not approve of her. The question remains whether Ophelia will be received as a lady in London by John's family. The story raises questions about social class and acceptance, particularly in the context of cultural differences between America and England. The narrative is written in a style that is reminiscent of 19th-century literature, with a focus on character development and dialogue. The author uses humor and wit to describe the characters and their interactions, making the story engaging and entertaining. Overall, the story explores themes of love, social class, and cultural differences, raising questions about what it means to be a lady in different societies.
By Anthony Trollope · First published 1879 · Genre: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction · 10,312 words
First lines
Who can say what is a lady? My intelligent and well-bred reader of either sex will at once declare that he and she knows very well who is a lady. So, I hope, do I. But the present question goes further than that. What is it, and whence does it come? Education does not give it, nor intelligence, nor birth, not even the highest. The thing, which in its presence or absence is so well known and understood, may be wanting to the most polished manners, to the sweetest disposition, to the truest heart. There are thousands among us who know it at a glance, and recognise its presence from the sound of a dozen words, but there is not one among us who can tell us what it is.
What this Textopian page supports
Miss Ophelia Gledd is listed on Textopian as a short story by Anthony Trollope, dated 1879 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Anthony Trollope
- Date: 1879 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Comedy
- Length: 10,312 words
- Structure: 1 section, 178 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Miss Ophelia Gledd by Anthony Trollope
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fiction — The work is a novel telling a made-up story.
- Romance — The story includes love and romantic relationships between characters.
- Historical Fiction — The story happens in the past and features real historical events or settings.
- Comedy — The storyline often includes humorous elements and situations.
Tags
Victorian literature · social commentary · class struggle · gender roles · romance · family dynamics · moral dilemmas · character study · satire · English society · personal growth · conflict