A Woman's Way by C.J. Dennis (1910)

Name: A Woman's Way
Author: C.J. Dennis

The narrative explores the complexities of relationships and the enigmatic nature of women through the perspective of a male protagonist. He reflects on his marriage, acknowledging his wife's ability to manipulate him while expressing a sense of unease about an upcoming event involving another woman, Rose. The protagonist grapples with his feelings of suspicion and confusion as he prepares to introduce Rose to his wife, Doreen. As he drives to the train station to pick up Rose, he contemplates the stark differences between the two women and worries about how they will interact. Upon meeting Rose, he notices her vulnerability and emotional state, which contrasts with the vibrant spring scenery around them. Despite his attempts to engage her in conversation, he senses her preoccupation with her past life in a less favorable environment, Spadgers Lane. Upon returning home, Doreen greets Rose warmly, which initially reassures the protagonist. However, he becomes frustrated when Doreen invites a neighbor, Wally Free, into their home, disrupting the intimate moment he had envisioned for the two women. This intrusion leads him to feel sidelined in a situation he believed he had orchestrated. The protagonist's internal conflict highlights his struggle to understand the dynamics of female relationships and his own role within them. He recognizes that while he may have orchestrated the meeting, the women possess their own agency and emotional complexities that he cannot fully grasp. The work ultimately underscores the theme of gender dynamics, the unpredictability of human emotions, and the protagonist's realization that both men and women are equally perplexing in their behaviors and motivations.

By C.J. Dennis · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Literary Fiction · 1,407 words

First lines

Women is strange. You take my tip; I'm wise. I know enough to know I'll never know The 'uman female mind, or wot su'prise They 'as in store to bring yer boastin' low. They keep yeh guessin' wot they're up to nex', An' then, odds on, it's wot yeh least expecks.

Take me. I know me wife can twist me round 'Er little finger. I don't mind that none. Wot worries me is that I've never found Which way I'm gittin' twisted, till it's done. Women is strange. An' yet, I've got to own I'd make a orful 'ash uv it, alone.

What this Textopian page supports

A Woman's Way is listed on Textopian as a short story by C.J. Dennis, dated 1910 CE.

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

Work type: Short story
Author: C.J. Dennis
Date: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Humor, Literary Fiction, Social Commentary, Narrative
Length: 1,407 words
Structure: 1 section, 17 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
Humor — The poem uses wit and comedic observations about gender dynamics and relationships.
Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions and social interactions, typical of literary fiction.
Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal norms and the roles of women and men, providing insight into gender relations.