Tales: A Passage in the Life of Mr. Watkins Tott
The narrative follows Mr. Watkins Tottle, a timid and uxorious bachelor, who grapples with the idea of marriage. At fifty, he is plump and short, living on a meager annuity that he exhausts quickly. Despite his fears, the notion of matrimony haunts him. His friend, Mr. Gabriel Parsons, encourages him to pursue a match with a wealthy lady, Miss Lillerton, who is described as well-educated and possessing a significant inheritance. Tottle's awkwardness and timidity are evident as he navigates social interactions, particularly with women. After a series of comedic misadventures, including a disastrous dinner where he breaks a glass, Tottle finally musters the courage to propose to Miss Lillerton. However, he mistakenly believes he is the one being pursued, only to discover that she is already engaged to Mr. Timson, the local clergyman. This revelation leaves Tottle in a state of despair, leading to his withdrawal from society. The story concludes with Tottle's emotional turmoil and a hint at his tragic fate, underscoring themes of love, social anxiety, and the absurdities of romantic pursuits.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1854 · Genre: Short Stories, Comedy, Classic Literature · 16,984 words
First lines
I
Matrimony is proverbially a serious undertaking. Like an over-weening predilection for brandy-and-water, it is a misfortune into which a man easily falls, and from which he finds it remarkably difficult to extricate himself. It is of no use telling a man who is timorous on these points, that it is but one plunge, and all is over. They say the same thing at the Old Bailey, and the unfortunate victims derive as much comfort from the assurance in the one case as in the other.
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Tales: A Passage in the Life of Mr. Watkins Tottle is listed on Textopian as a novel by Charles Dickens, dated 1854 CE.
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- Work type: Novel
- Author: Charles Dickens
- Date: 1854 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Stories, Comedy, Classic Literature, Victorian Literature
- Length: 16,984 words
- Structure: 1 section, 365 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Tales: A Passage in the Life of Mr. Watkins Tottle by Charles Dickens
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Short Stories — This book is composed of individual short stories narrating the life of Mr. Watkins Tottle.
- Comedy — Charles Dickens's writing style often incorporates humor and wit, and this book displays those elements in the humorous mishaps of Watkins Tottle.
- Classic Literature — Written by renowned author Charles Dickens, the book qualifies as classic literature due to its esteemed authorship and engagement with Victorian society.
- Victorian Literature — The book was written in the Victorian era and incorporates aspects of Victorian society and values in its storytelling, classifying it as Victorian Literature.
Tags
fiction · novel · 19th century · British literature · social commentary · character study · humor · satire · class struggle · urban life · moral dilemmas · adventure