A Child of the Jago

Name: A Child of the Jago
Author: Arthur Morrison

A Child of the Jago is a novel by Arthur Morrison, published in 1897. The story follows the life of a young boy named Tom Chisty, who grows up in the slums of London's East End, known as the "Jago." The novel explores themes of poverty, crime, and social inequality, providing a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the Jago. Through Tom's experiences, Morrison highlights the struggles and hardships faced by those living in the area, as well as the corrupting influence of criminal activity. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the Jago and its inhabitants, and is considered a classic of early 20th-century British literature.

By Arthur Morrison · First published 1896 · Genre: Social Realism, Crime, Urban Fiction · 37 chapters · 71,623 words

First lines

It was past the mid of a summer night in the Old Jago. The narrow street was all the blacker for the lurid sky; for there was a fire in a farther part of Shoreditch, and the welkin was an infernal coppery glare. Below, the hot, heavy air lay, a rank oppression, on the contorted forms of those who made for sleep on the pavement: and in it, and through it all, there rose from the foul earth and the grimed walls a close, mingled stink -- the odour of the Jago.

What this Textopian page supports

A Child of the Jago is listed on Textopian as a novel by Arthur Morrison, dated 1896 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Arthur Morrison
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Social Realism, Crime, Urban Fiction, Drama
Length: 71,623 words
Structure: 37 chapters, 746 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Genres

Social Realism — The book depicts the harsh realities of life in the slums of East London in the late 19th century, focusing on the poor living conditions and the struggles of its characters, which is a distinctive feature of social realism.
Crime — The narrative revolves around crime and the criminal activities of the protagonist and other characters who live in the slum, making crime a significant genre of the book.
Urban Fiction — The story takes place in urban settings, specifically the slums of East London, and captures the essence of city life from the perspective of its downtrodden inhabitants.
Drama — The book is filled with dramatic events and conflicts involving the protagonist and other characters, which is characteristic of the drama genre.