Tales: Sketches of Young Gentlemen
The work presents a series of character sketches that humorously explore the various types of young gentlemen in society, each embodying distinct traits and behaviors. The narrative begins with a dedication to young ladies, contrasting the portrayal of women in a previous work and setting the stage for a more favorable depiction of young men. The sketches include the bashful young gentleman, characterized by his awkwardness and social anxiety; the out-and-out young gentleman, who is brash and carefree; and the very friendly young gentleman, who is overly accommodating yet insincere. Other types include the military young gentleman, who is enamored with the pomp of military life, and the political young gentleman, who is consumed by party politics. The domestic young gentleman is depicted as overly attached to his mother, while the censorious young gentleman critiques others with a sarcastic demeanor. The funny young gentleman provides comic relief, and the theatrical young gentleman is obsessed with the drama of the stage. The poetical young gentleman is portrayed as melodramatic and self-absorbed, while the throwing-off young gentleman boasts of connections and talents he does not possess. Ultimately, the work concludes with a call for young ladies to seek a partner who embodies the best qualities of these gentlemen without their flaws.
By Charles Dickens · First published 1835 · Genre: Sketch Story, Victorian Literature, Satire · 20,104 words
First lines
TO THE YOUNG LADIES of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland; also THE YOUNG LADIES of the principality of wales, and likewise THE YOUNG LADIES resident in the isles of guernsey, jersey, alderney, and sark, the humble dedication of their devoted admirer,
Sheweth,-
What this Textopian page supports
Tales: Sketches of Young Gentlemen is listed on Textopian as a short story by Charles Dickens, dated 1835 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Charles Dickens
- Date: 1835 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Sketch Story, Victorian Literature, Satire, Comedy
- Length: 20,104 words
- Structure: 1 section, 181 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Tales: Sketches of Young Gentlemen by Charles Dickens
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Tales: Sketches of Young Gentlemen?
- How does this short story by Charles Dickens fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Sketch Story first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Sketches Of Young Gentlemen by Charles Dickens
- Tales Horatio Sparkins by Charles Dickens
- Tales A Passage In The Life Of Mr Watkins Tottle by Charles Dickens
- George Silvermans Explanation by Charles Dickens
- An English School by Rudyard Kipling
- The Schoolboys Story 1853 by Charles Dickens
Genres
- Sketch Story — The book consists of fictional short stories presented as pieces of observational sketch.
- Victorian Literature — The book was written during the Victorian era and showcases typical societal norms of the time.
- Satire — The author used humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize the follies of the society's echelons, particularly young, privileged men.
- Comedy — The book contains elements of humor and wit throughout.
Tags
young gentlemen · sketches · tales · Victorian literature · coming of age · social commentary · character studies · humor · satire · class differences · friendship · adventure