A House to Let by Charles Dickens

Name: A House to Let
Author: Charles Dickens

A House to Let, written by Charles Dickens in 1858, is a novella that revolves around the lives of several characters who are connected to a rental property in London. The story follows the experiences of a young couple, Arthur and Emily Brown, as they search for a new home after their marriage. They come across a charming house that seems perfect for them, but they soon discover that it is already occupied by a mysterious tenant named Mr. Tite-Barret. As the Browns continue to pursue the house, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including the uncooperative landlord, Mr. Weller, and the enigmatic Mr. Tite-Barret, who seems to be hiding something. The story builds up to a climactic confrontation between the Browns and Mr. Tite-Barret, which ultimately reveals the truth about his mysterious past. Throughout the novella, Dickens explores themes of love, marriage, class, and social status, as well as the tensions that arise when different characters with conflicting values and beliefs are brought together in a small space. The story is known for its witty dialogue, vivid characterizations, and social commentary, which continue to delight readers to this day.

By Charles Dickens · First published 1854 · Genre: Short Stories, Victorian, Mystery · 6 chapters · 41,225 words

First lines

I had been living at Tunbridge Wells and nowhere else, going on for ten years, when my medical man-very clever in his profession, and the prettiest player I ever saw in my life of a hand at Long Whist, which was a noble and a princely game before Short was heard of-said to me, one day, as he sat feeling my pulse on the actual sofa which my poor dear sister Jane worked before her spine came on, and laid her on a board for fifteen months at a stretch-the most upright woman that ever lived-said to me, "What we want, ma'am, is a fillip."

What this Textopian page supports

A House to Let is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Dickens, dated 1854 CE.

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

Work type: Novel
Author: Charles Dickens
Date: 1854 CE
Language: English
Genres: Short Stories, Victorian, Mystery, Drama
Length: 41,225 words
Structure: 6 chapters, 644 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering A House to Let?
How does this novel by Charles Dickens fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Short Stories first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Short Stories — The book is a collection of short stories written by Charles Dickens and his contemporaries.
Victorian — A House to Let was one of Charles Dickens' works during the Victorian era and it encapsulates the characteristics of Victorian literature.
Mystery — The book contains elements of suspense, as occupants of the house in question present their individually unique and mysterious stories.
Drama — The individual stories within the book involve dramatic incidents and scenarios.