The Telegraph Girl
The Telegraph Girl, written by Anthony Trollope in 1860, is a novel that explores the themes of love, class, and social status through the eyes of a young woman named Emily Horton. Emily is a telegraph girl who works for the General Post Office in London, and her story unfolds as she navigates her relationships with various characters, including her employer, Mr. Wopples, and two suitors, Captain Fraser and Mr. Gresham. Throughout the novel, Trollope examines the societal expectations placed on women during this time period, particularly those of the upper class, and how Emily challenges these norms through her independent spirit and determination. The Telegraph Girl is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers insight into the lives of women in Victorian England.
By Anthony Trollope · First published 1867 · Genre: Classic Literature, Historical Fiction, Romance · 17,552 words
First lines
Three shillings a day to cover all expenses of life, food, raiment, shelter, a room in which to eat and sleep, and fire and light -- and recreation if recreation there might be -- is not much; but when Lucy Graham, the heroine of this tale, found herself alone in the world, she was glad to think that she was able to earn so much by her work, and that thus she possessed the means of independence if she chose to be independent. Her story up to the date with which we are dealing shall be very shortly told. She had lived for many years with a married brother, who was a bookseller in Holborn -- in a small way of business, and burdened with a large family, but still living in decent comfort. In order, however, that she might earn her own bread she had gone into the service of the Crown as a "Telegraph Girl" in the Telegraph Office.3 And there she had remained till the present time, and there she was earning eighteen shillings a week by eight hours' continual work daily.
What this Textopian page supports
The Telegraph Girl is listed on Textopian as a novella by Anthony Trollope, dated 1867 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Anthony Trollope
- Date: 1867 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Classic Literature, Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama
- Length: 17,552 words
- Structure: 1 section, 223 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Telegraph Girl by Anthony Trollope
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Telegraph Girl?
- How does this novella by Anthony Trollope fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Classic Literature first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Classic Literature — Anthony Trollope is a recognized author from the Victorian era, which makes 'The Telegraph Girl' fall into the Classic Literature genre. Additionally, the language, themes, and style follow the pattern used in classical literature.
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in the Victorian era and includes many references to the societal norms, technology, and historical events during this period, which makes it a good example of historical fiction.
- Romance — The story features a romantic narrative, as relationships become a central part of the plot, placing it within the Romance category.
- Drama — The plot is characterized by conflicts and complications that lead to emotional tension and suspense, which brings it under the drama genre.
Tags
Victorian · literature · romance · social commentary · class struggle · female protagonist · telegraph · communication · love story · family dynamics · gender roles · historical fiction