The Failure
John Scidmore, an insurance broker's clerk, is awakened in the early hours by a troubling realization regarding a missed insurance order from Julia Norris, a friend of his wife. Despite the warmth of the night and the calming scents from outside, he is consumed by anxiety over his forgetfulness. The memory of Julia's request for a ten-thousand-dollar insurance policy on her property haunts him, especially as he recalls being distracted by a trivial customer dispute. This incident triggers a deeper reflection on his life, revealing his dissatisfaction with his mundane existence and the routine that has stifled his ambitions. As he grapples with feelings of inadequacy and frustration, he recognizes the potential consequences of his negligence—Julia's property could be at risk without coverage. In a moment of self-reproach, he acknowledges his declining memory and the weight of his responsibilities. Ultimately, he resolves to rectify the situation by taking action in the morning, but the episode leaves him questioning his competence and the trajectory of his life. The narrative explores themes of regret, the burden of routine, and the struggle for personal significance amidst the pressures of daily life.
By Charles Caldwell Dobie · First published 1921 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance · 5 chapters · 5,414 words
First lines
At an unearthly hour in the morning John Scidmore sat up suddenly in his bed and remembered Julia Norris's telephone message. He rose at once, switched on the shaded light on the bureau, and looked at his watch: the minute hand had just swung past three o'clock.
Undisturbed by her husband's nocturnal prowling, Kitty Scidmore slept with almost childish naturalness. He plunged the room into darkness again and felt his way out into the hall and down the short flight of stairs to the dining-room.
What this Textopian page supports
The Failure is listed on Textopian as a novella by Charles Caldwell Dobie, dated 1921 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Charles Caldwell Dobie
- Date: 1921 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Drama, Romance, Social commentary, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 5,414 words
- Structure: 5 chapters, 119 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Failure by Charles Caldwell Dobie
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Failure?
- How does this novella by Charles Caldwell Dobie fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in the historical period of San Francisco in the beginning of the 20th century, with accurate depictions of life, society, and individuals during that time.
- Drama — The book focuses on dramatic relations between people and emotional conflicts, characterized by dramatic speeches and confrontations.
- Romance — At the core of the narrative, there is a romantic relationship and its complications. Emotions and romantic engagements between characters are a pivotal part of the plot.
- Social commentary — The book provides critical commentary on society and social conditions of its time, often through the interactions and experiences of its characters.
Tags
failure · success · ambition · struggle · personal growth · self-discovery · resilience · overcoming obstacles · life lessons · adversity · motivation · determination